Pied Starling

The pied starling, or African pied starling (Lamprotornis bicolor), presents a striking contrast in its plumage. Adults measure between 27 to 28 centimeters in length and are characterized by predominantly black plumage with a dully glossed sheen. A distinctive white lower belly and undertail coverts break the darkness, while a white iris and a yellow lower mandible add to their unique visage. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but juveniles can be distinguished by their unglossed plumage, brown irises, and dull yellow lower mandibles.

Identification Tips

When identifying the pied starling, look for the stark white underparts contrasting with the glossy black upperparts. The white iris is a notable feature, along with the yellow lower mandible. Juveniles lack the glossy sheen and have a brown iris, which can help differentiate them from adults.

Habitat

The pied starling is found in a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, karoo scrub, thornbush, and agricultural lands. It often associates with farm animals, which can be a helpful indicator of its presence in a rural setting.

Distribution

Endemic to the southern reaches of the African continent, the pied starling's range includes South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. It is common throughout most of its range but is notably absent from the arid northwest and the eastern lowlands of South Africa.

Behaviour

This species is known for its gregarious nature, forming large flocks when not breeding, sometimes exceeding a thousand individuals. It may roost with other species such as lesser kestrels or wattled starlings, though it rarely shares roosts with European starlings.

Song & Calls

The pied starling communicates with a variety of calls, the most familiar being a "skeer kerrra kerrra." Additionally, it produces a soft warbling song that adds to the auditory landscape of its habitat.

Breeding

Nesting typically occurs in tunnels along river banks, but pied starlings are adaptable and may also use holes in buildings, straw bales, or natural tree cavities. Remarkably, there is an account of nesting within a shipwreck. The nest is an eclectic collection of plant material and human refuse, such as paper and rope. Clutches usually consist of four blue-green eggs, which may be spotless or adorned with red spots. The female incubates the eggs for 14 to 16 days, and the fledging period lasts an additional 22 to 28 days. Both parents, along with helpers, feed the chicks. This cooperative breeding is underscored by mutual allofeeding among adults, a behavior accentuated by the bright gape.

Similar Species

There are no subspecies of the pied starling, and its distinctive coloration makes it relatively easy to distinguish from other starlings in its range.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous bird, the pied starling's diet is predominantly insectivorous, favoring ants and termites. It also consumes seeds, berries, and occasionally human food discards. Its foraging behavior is often observed near livestock, capitalizing on insects disturbed by the animals and even perching on them to remove ectoparasites.

Conservation Status

The pied starling is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large estimated range of 790,000 square kilometers. The population size is not quantified but is presumed to be large, as the species is commonly seen within parts of its range. There is no indication of significant population decline that would warrant a higher threat category.