What is Murmuration?
Have you ever looked up to a winter sky and seen thousands of birds swooping and swirling in unison? This is one of nature's most amazing spectacles: a murmuration.
A murmuration is the collective noun for a group of starlings flying together. These birds gather in huge flocks, moving as if they’re one incredible living cloud, twisting and turning in mesmerizing shapes across the sky.
As daylight begins to fade on a winter’s evening, the sight of a murmuration of starlings reminds us how connected and coordinated wildlife can be. Here is everything you need to know about murmurations, why they happen, and where you can see them.
What Exactly is a Murmuration of Starlings?
Murmurations happen when resident and migrant birds flock together near their roost sites before nightfall.
Using subtle cues from their neighbours, each starling mirrors the movement of the seven birds closest to it, allowing the entire flock to move in perfect harmony without colliding.
Scientists still study this phenomenon to understand how these huge groups maintain such precise coordination. It’s a brilliant example of collective behavior found in the natural world.
Why Do Starlings Murmurate?
There are many reasons why Starlings flock together. The first one is safety in numbers; by flying together with so many birds, they confuse predators like Peregrine Falcons and are therefore safer.
It's also for warmth, on the cold winter evenings, they murmur before roosting together in reed beds, woodlands, and town parks to stay warm during the night.
They are also used for communication. Through Starling murmurations, they share information about the best feeding grounds and roosting sites.
It’s most common to see murmurations during the colder months, particularly from autumn to February, when migrant starlings arrive from eastern Europe to join our resident birds here in the UK.
The Best Place to See a Starling Murmuration
If you want to witness this breathtaking aerial dance, the early evening is your best chance. Here are some of the best places to see a Starling murmuration.
Avalon Marshes (Somerset Levels)
A standout location: the marshes of Somerset (including Shapwick Heath and Ham Wall) host huge gatherings of starlings each winter.
Brighton Pier & the Seafront, East Sussex
On clear, calm winter evenings, you'll be able to spot birds swirling above the pier and sea at sunset.
Ripon City Wetlands & Potteric Carr (Yorkshire)
In Yorkshire, these reserves are known for strong murmuration displays. Arrive earlier than dusk to find a comfortable spot and enjoy the environment while waiting.
Idle Valley Nature Reserve & Attenborough Nature Reserve (Nottinghamshire)
In the East Midlands, these reserves offer good accessibility and frequent murmuration events.
You can also see murmurations above countryside parks, woodlands, and even urban gardens. These birds often return to the same roost sites year after year, gathering in huge numbers before dropping suddenly into the reeds or trees as night arrives.
