Tristram's Starling
Onychognathus tristramii
The Tristram's Starling (Onychognathus tristramii) is a uncommon rhabdornis, starlings, and myna found in 8 countries, weighing about 123 g. Tristram's starling, also known as Dead Sea starling or Tristram's grackle, is a species of starling native to the Middle East.
About the Tristram's Starling
Tristram's starling, also known as Dead Sea starling or Tristram's grackle, is a species of starling native to the Middle East. It is the only member of the genus Onychognathus found mainly outside of Africa. The species is named after Reverend Henry Baker Tristram, who collected natural history specimens.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Tristram's starling is 25 cm long (including a 9 cm tail), with a wingspan of 44–45 cm, and a weight of 100–140 g. The males have glossy iridescent black plumage with orange patches on the outer wing, which are particularly noticeable in flight. The bill and legs are black. Females and young birds are similar but duller and with a greyish head, lacking the plumage gloss.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Tunisia.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Tristram's Starling?
- Tristram's starling is 25 cm long (including a 9 cm tail), with a wingspan of 44–45 cm, and a weight of 100–140 g. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Tristram's Starling?
- The Tristram's Starling is a medium sized bird weighing about 123 g.
- Where can you see a Tristram's Starling?
- The Tristram's Starling occurs in 8 countries, including Israel, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
- What birds look similar to a Tristram's Starling?
- The Tristram's Starling is most easily confused with the Pale-winged Starling, the Waller's Starling and the Chestnut-winged Starling.
- Is the Tristram's Starling endangered?
- The Tristram's Starling is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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