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ShrublandDomed nestMedium · 73 g
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.
When to see the Wattled Starling
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Wattled Starling
The map shades 25 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Gabon.
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.
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.
Greater Blue-eared StarlingLamprotornis chalybaeusThe greater blue-eared starling is a 22 cm long, short tailed bird.
Side by side: Violet-backed Starling vs Wattled Starling · Southern Hill Myna vs Wattled Starling · Greater Blue-eared Starling vs Wattled Starling
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