Starling Fly Tying Feathers

Unfortunetly no longer available

Starling Feathers

– Legal Considerations & UK Substitutes

Starling is now a protected wild species in the UK, and using its feathers for fly tying is strictly regulated. Unless obtained lawfully (for example, from licensed pest control with full documentation), possession or use is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

To stay legal, UK fly tyers should use feathers from game birds, legal pest species, or domestically farmed birds.

Legal Alternatives to Starling Feathers - Looking to match Starling’s fine fibres, dark mottling, and sheen for patterns like soft hackles, spiders, or wet flies? These substitutes are highly effective:

Pro Tip:
To mimic Starling most effectively, use covert feathers—the small, soft feathers near the shoulder or wing base.

Where to Buy:
Always source from reputable Fly Tying UK suppliers, such as troutcatchers, to ensure legality and quality.