White-shouldered Starling

Sturnia sinensis

Rhabdornis, Starlings, and Mynas · Passeriformes · Uncommon

The White-shouldered Starling (Sturnia sinensis) is a uncommon rhabdornis, starlings, and myna found in 15 countries, weighing about 61 g. The white-shouldered starling is a species of bird in the starling family Sturnidae.

Least ConcernUncommonEats invertebratesgrasslandcavity nest61 g

About the White-shouldered Starling

The white-shouldered starling is a species of bird in the starling family Sturnidae. It breeds in southern China and northern Vietnam; it winters in Southeast Asia.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The white-shouldered starling has blue eyes, a grey bill, and a white patch on the shoulder. The adult male has a light brown head and breast and a white belly while an adult female is darker brown on the back and belly. This bird is usually found in large flocks.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Russia.

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a variable species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a White-shouldered Starling?
The white-shouldered starling has blue eyes, a grey bill, and a white patch on the shoulder. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a White-shouldered Starling?
The White-shouldered Starling is a medium sized bird weighing about 61 g.
Where can you see a White-shouldered Starling?
The White-shouldered Starling occurs in 15 countries, including Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR China, Thailand, China and Cambodia.
What birds look similar to a White-shouldered Starling?
The White-shouldered Starling is most easily confused with the White-headed Starling, the Chestnut-tailed Starling and the Brahminy Starling.
Is the White-shouldered Starling endangered?
The White-shouldered Starling is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the White-shouldered Starling for real

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