Magical Murmurations: Starlings at Brighton Palace Pier

Every winter along Brighton's iconic seafront, a breathtaking natural spectacle unfolds in the skies above the pier. As the sun begins to set along the south coast, thousands of starlings perform extraordinary murmurations that have captivated local visitors and wildlife lovers for generations. There is no better location to watch this fantastic spectacle than right here on Brighton Palace Pier!

What is a Starling Murmuration and why do they do it?

A murmuration is a large flock of Starlings moving together as one, twisting and turning in beautiful and shape-shifting patterns. The name is said to have come from the sound (or murmur) of thousands of wings beating in harmony.

The true reasons for the murmurations has never quite been understood, but scientists believe that the spectacle serves a few purposes:

• It is believed that they perform this in large groups as they believe safety is in numbers. By moving as one large mass, it can confuse their predators, such as the peregrine falcon, making it harder for them to single out an individual starling.
• It is also believed that the murmurations allow Starlings to exchange information with each other, such as feeding areas and good places to roost.
• Finally, another theory is that by coming together as the sun goes down, the Starlings can create warmth by moving fast as large groups in order to survive the colder months.

Where and when can I see the Starling Murmurations?

The murmuration season typically begins in November and carries on until late February. The biggest displays always happen around dusk, making the perfect picturesque moment to watch this fantastic performance as the sky glows orange.

Brighton Palace Pier is the best place to view the Starlings from, as they often roost on the pier's sub-structure, meaning this is always the closest you can get to the action! Our aptly-named Starling's Roost Café is open every day, and provides a fantastic selection of hot drinks and light snacks, perfect for gearing up to watch the Starling's show every evening.

At Brighton Palace Pier, we are immensely proud to be part of this magical season event. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning admirer, the murmurations are an unforgettable winter experience that brings the skies of Brighton to life!