Red-winged Starling

The Red-winged Starling, Onychognathus morio, is a striking bird native to eastern Africa, with a range extending from Ethiopia to South Africa's Cape. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the male is predominantly iridescent black with chestnut flight feathers, while the female sports an ash-grey head and upper breast. Juveniles resemble males but have a duller sheen and brown eyes. The Ethiopian subspecies, O. m. rupellii, is characterized by a longer tail and intergrades with the nominate form.

Identification Tips

When observing the Red-winged Starling, look for the male's glossy black plumage contrasted by chestnut flight feathers, especially visible in flight. Females can be identified by their streaky grey head plumage. The bird's dark, almost black eyes distinguish it from the similar Pale-winged Starling, which has bright red or orange eyes. The robust structure of the Red-winged Starling is adapted to support its weight while feeding on nectar from sturdy flowers.

Habitat

This adaptable bird occupies a variety of habitats, including forests, savannahs, grasslands, wetlands, fynbos, farmlands, and urban areas. Its preference for cliffs and mountainous regions for nesting has translated well to the urban environment, where tall buildings mimic its natural nesting sites.

Distribution

The Red-winged Starling is found along eastern Africa, from Ethiopia down to the Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Gauteng in South Africa. Its adaptability has allowed it to thrive in both natural and urban settings.

Behaviour

This starling is known for its territorial and aggressive nature during the nesting season, boldly defending its nest against intruders, including humans. Outside of breeding times, it is highly sociable, forming large flocks with its conspecifics.

Song & Calls

The Red-winged Starling communicates with a variety of whistled calls, with the most common being a contact call described as "cher-leeeoo."

Breeding

Nesting on rocky cliffs and outcrops, the Red-winged Starling constructs a grass and twig nest with a mud base on ledges. It typically lays two to four blue, red-brown spotted eggs. The female incubates these for about two weeks, and the chicks fledge in another three to four weeks. This species often produces two broods per season and may be parasitized by the Great Spotted Cuckoo.

Similar Species

The Pale-winged Starling is the most similar species, distinguishable by its whitish primaries edged with orange and its bright eye color.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous generalist, the Red-winged Starling feeds on a variety of seeds, berries, nectar, and invertebrates. It also consumes fruit from both wild and cultivated sources and will scavenge carrion and human food scraps. In rural settings, it may perch on large mammals to forage for insects and ectoparasites.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Red-winged Starling as Least Concern. While not endangered, it can be considered a nuisance in some areas due to its habit of raiding orchards and aggressive behavior near its nesting sites.