 There are several methods by which common starlings obtain their food but for the most part , they forage close to the ground , taking insects from the surface or just underneath . Generally , common starlings prefer foraging amongst short @-@ cropped grasses and are often found among grazing animals or perched on their backs , where they will also feed on the mammal 's external parasites . Large flocks may engage in a practice known as " roller @-@ feeding " , where the birds at the back of the flock continually fly to the front where the feeding opportunities are best . The larger the flock , the nearer individuals are to one another while foraging . Flocks often feed in one place for some time , and return to previous successfully foraged sites . 
 <a href='dey_it' title='1'><mark>There</mark></a> are several methods by which common starlings obtain their food but for the most part , they forage close to the ground , taking insects from the surface or just underneath . Generally , common starlings prefer foraging amongst short @-@ cropped grasses and are often found among grazing animals or perched on their backs , where they will also feed on the mammal <a href='null_genetive' title='2'><mark>'s</mark></a>external parasites . Large flocks may engage in a practice known as " roller @-@ feeding " , where the birds at the back of the flock continually fly to the front where the feeding opportunities <a href='drop_aux' title='3'><mark>are</mark></a>best . The larger the flock , the nearer individuals are to one another while foraging . Flocks often feed in one place for some time , and return to previous successfully foraged sites . 
It is several methods by which common starlings obtain their food but for the most part , they forage close to da ground , taking roaches from tdasurface or just underneath . Generally , common starlings prefer foraging amongst short @-@ cropped grasses and are often found among grazing animals or perched on their backs , where they will also feed on thdaammal  external parasites . Large flocks may engage in a practice known as " roller @-@ feedin " , where thedards at the back of the flock continually fly to the front where the daedinopportunities best . The ldaer the flda , the neada individuals are to one anotha while foraging . Flocks often feed in one place fir some time , and return to previous successfully foraged sites .