About the Rosy Starling
The rosy starling, also known as the rose-coloured starling or rose-coloured pastor, is a passerine bird in the starling family. The species was recently placed in its own monotypic genus, Pastor, and split from Sturnus. This split is supported by recent studies, though other related species within its new genus are not yet known for certain.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The adult rosy starling is highly distinctive, with its pink body, pale orange legs and bill, and glossy black head, wings and tail. Males in the breeding season have elongated head feathers which form a wispy crest that is fluffed and more prominent when the bird gets excited. In winter, the crest is shorter, and the edges of black feathers within the plumage become paler as the edges of these feather erode. Winter plumage in males is comparatively dull. Females in contrast have a short crest and lack the sharp separation between pink and black.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Finland, Australia, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Myanmar (Burma), Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lithuania, Philippines, Moldova.
When to see it
Peak activity in February · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Asian Glossy StarlingAplonis panayensisThe Asian glossy starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae.
Pied StarlingLamprotornis bicolorThe adult of this 27–28 cm (11 in) long starling has mainly dully glossed black plumage except for a white lower belly and undertail.
Great MynaAcridotheres grandisIt is black with elongated forehead feathers, forming a frontal crest that may curl backwards.
Side by side: Pied Starling vs Rosy Starling · Great Myna vs Rosy Starling
Learn the Rosy Starling for real
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