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The wattled starling is a nomadic resident bird in eastern and southern Africa. It is a species of grassland, open woodland, and cultivation.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The wattled starling is 21 cm long, with a short tail and pointed wings. It has mainly grey plumage except for a white rump, and black flight feathers and tail. The breeding male has a white shoulder patch and a distinctive head pattern, with unfeathered yellow skin, and black forehead and throat wattles. The extent to which these seasonal features develop increases with the age of the bird and some old females may show a weaker version of this plumage. The non-breeding male has a feathered head except for a small yellow patch behind the eye.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Gabon.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Violet-backed StarlingCinnyricinclus leucogasterThe violet-backed starling is a sexually dimorphic species with adults reaching a length of about 18 cm (7 in).
Southern Hill MynaGracula indicaThe southern hill myna has a shiny black plumage.
Learn the Wattled Starling for real
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