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HT9. Mysterious Starlings Darken Rome’s Skies: What’s Behind This Striking Natural Spectacle?

Each winter, Rome’s twilight sky transforms into a living canvas as tens of thousands—sometimes over a million—migratory starlings perform mesmerizing synchronized flight patterns. This seasonal spectacle, known as “murmuration,” draws awe and surprises both residents and tourists. But it also brings logistical challenges and concerns for city officials.

What Is a Starling Murmuration?

Breathtaking video and photographs of starling murmurations 5 years in the making - Australian Geographic

Starlings are small, highly social birds (about 20 cm long) that flock in vast numbers. The phenomenon of murmuration refers to their breathtaking aerial displays: large flocks sweeping and swooping in unison, darting across the sky in ever-shifting formations. Continues…