MOLLER PILLOT H (1992) Decrease in number of Starlings Sturnus vulgaris wintering in the Leypark, Tilburg. LIMOSA 65 (1): 19-22.

Transect counts in a park in the outskirts of the city of Tilburg begun in 1974, show a considerable decrease in numbers of Starlings since the severe winter of 1978/79, both in winter and during the breeding season (fig. 2). From counts at different times of day (fig. I) and observations of the birds' behaviour, it appeared that few birds occupied territories in winter and that foraging took place outside the park. Also in summer, the lawns of the park were less attractive as a feeding place than they used to be in the 1970s. It is suggested that the prolonged decline cannot have resulted from long-term changes in migration strategy or severe winters. The apparent foraging problem, probably resulting from unfavourable changes in the invertebrate fauna ofthe lawns, may be the key factor resulting in the observed decline. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

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