Magpie Starling
Speculipastor bicolor
The Magpie Starling (Speculipastor bicolor) is a rare rhabdornis, starlings, and myna found in 5 countries, weighing about 64 g. The magpie starling is a member of the starling family from eastern Africa.
About the Magpie Starling
The magpie starling is a member of the starling family from eastern Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The magpie starling is about 16–19 cm (6.5–7.5 in) in length. The white patches at base of primaries are obvious in flight. The male is a shiny blue-black on upperparts, head and upper breast, with mostly white below and bloodred eyes. The female is a dull blackish above with dark grey crown, and a dark grey throat is separated from white belly by a glossy black breast band. Her eyes are red or orange-red. The Juvenile is brown with a white belly; eyes brown, becoming orange-red in as the bird matures. Exceptional young birds are entirely white below, including chin and throat.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Uganda.
When to see it
The Magpie Starling can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Magpie Starling?
- The magpie starling is about 16–19 cm (6.5–7.5 in) in length. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Magpie Starling?
- The Magpie Starling is a medium sized bird weighing about 64 g.
- Where can you see a Magpie Starling?
- The Magpie Starling occurs in 5 countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia.
- What birds look similar to a Magpie Starling?
- The Magpie Starling is most easily confused with the Kenrick's Starling, the Fiery-browed Starling and the Striated Starling.
- Is the Magpie Starling endangered?
- The Magpie Starling is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Magpie Starling for real
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