White-cheeked Starling

The White-cheeked Starling, or Grey Starling, is a member of the starling family, exhibiting a charming blend of colors. The adult male is predominantly dark grey-brown with a lighter belly and a distinctive whitish band across the rump. Its head is a striking blackish hue, complemented by whitish cheeks and forehead. A white border adorns the tail, and the secondary wing feathers are marked with white. The bird's legs are a pale orange, and its bill is a vibrant orange with a contrasting black tip. The adult female mirrors the male in plumage but is somewhat paler and less vivid. Juveniles present a brown plumage with pale cheeks and rump, and notably, they lack the black tip on the bill.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the White-cheeked Starling, look for the white cheek patches and forehead that contrast with the blackish head. The white rump band is also a key feature, especially in flight. The orange bill with a black tip is distinctive in adults, while juveniles can be recognized by their overall brown coloration and the absence of the black bill tip.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of environments, including woodlands, farmlands, and open country. Remarkably adaptable, it has also made a home in urban parks and gardens, often seen gracing the lowland areas, typically below 700 meters in elevation in places like Japan.

Distribution

The White-cheeked Starling's breeding range spans central and northeast China, Korea, Japan, and southeast Siberia. In the winter months, birds from the colder regions migrate southward to southern and eastern China, South Korea, southern Japan, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam. Occasionally, vagrants have been recorded as far as the Philippines, Thailand, and Myanmar, with a notable record from Homer, Alaska.

Behaviour

This starling is known for its gregarious nature, often seen in flocks. It has a varied diet and is known to feed on fruit and insects such as mole crickets. During the breeding season, which lasts from March to July, it may produce two clutches of eggs. The nest is typically situated in a hole in a tree or building, or in a nestbox provided by bird enthusiasts.

Song & Calls

The White-cheeked Starling's call is a loud and monotonous series of harsh, creaking notes that can be heard echoing through its habitat.

Breeding

The breeding season of the White-cheeked Starling extends from March to July. The nest is constructed in a cavity, either natural or man-made. Each clutch consists of four to nine eggs, which are incubated for about 14 to 15 days. The fledglings then take their first flight 13 to 15 days after hatching.

Similar Species

Hybridization between the White-cheeked Starling and the Red-billed Starling has been reported, indicating that these species may be confused with one another. However, the Red-billed Starling can be distinguished by its red bill.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the White-cheeked Starling is diverse, including fruits and insects. It is particularly fond of mole crickets, which it actively hunts.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the White-cheeked Starling as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.