The starling, a bird that has become a common sight in America, was introduced by Eugene Schieffelin, a wealthy German emigrant. Schieffelin had a peculiar ambition to bring every bird mentioned in Shakespeare's works to the American landscape. While his intentions were perhaps literary and aspirational, the introduction of starlings turned out to have unfortunate ecological consequences.
This decision by Schieffelin illustrates how well-meaning actions can lead to significant environmental challenges. The starling population grew rapidly, often displacing native birds and disrupting local ecosystems, showcasing the complexities and unintended outcomes of introducing non-native species into new habitats.