Mass Bird Drownings Mystify Scientists

In a recently published paper, researchers attempt to explain the rare cases of mass drownings of starling birds in the U.K. which may have to do with their social nature and inexperience navigating around water due to their youth.

It is rare that birds drown which is why reports of group deaths of starlings - mostly juveniles - caused by this method attracted scientific attention.
A study published in late November found that two main causes may be involved. 
One is youth, with a researcher stating that “drowning appears to be a more common cause of death amongst younger birds as they may be inexperienced