At the first sight it seems there is nothing particularly special about this small dark bird, but have you ever seen starling murmuration also known as the black sun or as locals call it—Sort Sol? These terms refer to a natural phenomenon when hundreds, thousands, and millions of starlings simultaneously twirl in the air performing 3D geometrical figures before sleep.
It looks amazing and somewhat scary at the same time, for it resembles a tornado or a ghost, and it is hard to imagine how a huge bird mass can act in such accord.
Scientists have tried to explain how it is possible that starlings move so synchronously and harmoniously, and arrived at the conclusion that this is all about math and physics rather than biology. The main rule for every single starling is to keep the sight of the nearest seven birds around.
This hardly explicable spectacle may be observed in several spots across Denmark, but the most popular place is around Tønder Marsh in southern Jutland, close to the border with Germany. Another great spot to watch them is around the town of Ribe, the oldest existing town in Denmark. During the daytime, the birds feed in the meadow, and by the twilight, they gather at the marshes to waltz in the air for a while until finally settle down to overnight among the reeds.
This wondrous ritual occurs in the evenings during their winter migration from Scandinavia to the warmer Southern Europe, that is roughly between mid-September and mid-October. Another season to spot a mesmerizing spectacle of Black Sun falls half a year later—between March and mid-April, when starlings return to the north.
Starlings' short performance lasts for about 20 minutes, and the best way not to miss it is hire a nature guide, or go with a tour group.
Practical info
Where can one observe starling murmurations in Denmark?
Tønder Marsh and around the town of Ribe are two popular spots to witness the starling murmuration in Denmark. These locations offer visitors the opportunity to observe the birds' mesmerizing dancing display before they rest among the reeds for the night. Both areas are located in southern Jutland, close to the German border, and provide an ideal setting for this natural phenomenon. Show more
During which periods is it possible to witness the black sun in Denmark?
Two windows of opportunity exist for observing the starling murmuration in Denmark. The first one is between mid-September and mid-October, during the winter migration season when the birds move from Scandinavia to the south. The second period is halfway through the year, between March and mid-April, when the birds return to the north. Timing is important, and visitors must plan accordingly to experience this beautiful natural event. Show more
What is the typical duration of a starling murmuration?
Usually, the starling murmuration lasts around 20 minutes before the birds retire to the marshes to rest. It is important to note that the birds' behavior can sometimes be unpredictable, and the murmuration may be shorter or longer than expected. Visitors who want to watch these flying displays should hire a nature guide or join a tour group to catch the most captivating, unadulterated show possible. Show more
Can starling murmurations be viewed in other parts of the world?
Although starling murmurations are not exclusive to Denmark, other places worldwide provide opportunities to witness this breathtaking phenomenon. Denmark, however, is certainly one of the greatest locations to experience the mystery of the black sun. The combination of large flocks of birds flying over flat marshy regions provides a unique chance to observe this mesmerizing aerial dance in its truest and most enchanting form. Show more
What is the reason behind the synchronised movement of starlings during murmurations?
Starlings exhibit synchronised movement thanks to a complex mathematical algorithm called scale-free correlation. The birds interact with their nearest seven neighbours at any given moment, forming an ever-changing pattern of movement in the sky. The birds' speed and direction are guided by minute adjustments they make based on the position of their nearby seven companions. The unique visual spectacle that results from their intricate dance is a stunning combination of innate biology and physics. Show more
