[3] Starlicide is a small molecule in which a central benzene ring is modified by amine, chloro and methyl substituents in a specific pattern.

Grain-eating game birds such as bobwhite quail,[5] pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and rooks (Corvus frugilegus)[6] are also vulnerable.

[7] The effect is described as "a grayish white, frost-like material of uric acid overlaying the serosal surfaces of the various organs, accompanied by sterile inflammation and necrosis in the affected and adjacent tissues" akin to avian visceral gout.

Research continues to improve the effectiveness of delivery on brown rice by causing the poison to be retained on the bait longer and resist degradation by sunlight.

[13] In 2009, a culling with starlicide received national attention after USDA employees dispensed the poison in Griggstown, New Jersey, to kill an estimated 5,000 starlings that plagued feed lots and dairies on local farms.

Rusty blackbirds are a species not likely to be taken protecting crops because they mostly feed in wet woodland bottoms on acorns, pine seeds, fruits, and animal matter during winter, but sometimes will be found in feedlots (Avery 2013).

But, as poisoned birds may fly long distances before they die, it is difficult to find carcasses and results of studies may underestimate mortality.

However, harm-benefit ratio of these actions is controversial due to possible non-target by-kill and unpredictable effects of population reduction.

However, there is not enough verified data to support either claim, because studies of starlicide use were focused on direct mortality and did not include indirect effects.

[32] Non-avian toxicology of compound is poorly studied, yet high toxicity for freshwater invertebrates and fish has been noticed.