IT IS one of the wonders of nature - thousands of starlings acting together as a single living creature, and yet no-one really knows why.
The extraordinary dis-plays - called murmurations - often produce a variety of recognisable shapes with tens of thousands of birds gathering together.
The reason for the beautiful spectacle is not definitively known, with theories ranging from a defence mechanism against predators to attracting more birds to join their roost.
Gretna is one of the most famous locations for gatherings of starlings and this week a stunning display of around 40,000-50,000 birds was spotted.
A UK-wide survey of the birds is taking place, with members of the public being encouraged to record any sightings they make.
The poll, conducted by Gloucestershire University and the Society of Biology, has already received more than 600 reports from Cornwall to John O'Groats.
Dr Anne Goodenough, reader in applied ecology at Gloucestershire University, said: "One of the theories behind the murmurations is they are safer from predators such as hawks and falcons.
"Another theory could be they are signalling a large roost and could be a way of attracting other birds."
The survey can be found at www.societyofbiology.org/starlingsurvey
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