Wattled Starling

Creatophora cinerea

Least ConcernUncommonInvertebratesShrublandDomed nestMedium · 73 g

About the Wattled Starling

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.

ID tip

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

Regular rangeRare visitor

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

Learn the Wattled Starling for real

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