The European Starling in New Mexico
The European Starling in New Mexico.-Although the European Starling (Slurnw vulgaris) has been reported on two previous occasions in the Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico (Condor, 42, 1940:86; ibid., 43, 1941:197), the bird has occurred only sparingly and in small numbers.
As evidence that it is moving west in larger numbers, it may be reported that a &rock of about 100 birds was noted at Elida, Roosevelt County, New Mexico, on February 25, 1942. Individuals and groups of from 3 to 10 were noted at Roswell and Portales in this same week.
This exotic pest species has become a disturbing problem in the northeastern United States, and it appears that it will soon be a problem of considerable concern to agriculturists and city dwellers in much of the west.--CLEARENCE COT-TAM, CLARENCE A. SOOTER, and RICHARD E. GRITITTR, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C., May 12,1942.
