Neocichla gutturalis
The Babbling Starling (Neocichla gutturalis) is a charismatic passerine, instantly recognizable by its striking plumage and distinctive vocalizations. A medium-sized starling, it measures approximately 19-20 cm (7.5-7.9 in) in length and weighs about 50-60 grams. Its most prominent field marks include a deep chestnut brown on its underparts, contrasting sharply with a pale grey head, which features a prominent white throat patch that gives the species its scientific name 'gutturalis'. The upp...
This species primarily inhabits dry woodlands, particularly miombo (Brachystegia) and Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) woodlands, often near rocky outcrops or along riverine strips. It is typically found at low to mid-elevations, generally between 500 and 1500 meters.
The diet of the Babbling Starling is primarily insectivorous, consisting mainly of beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars, which they glean from tree surfaces. They also supplement their diet with some fruit and nectar, particularly during periods of insect scarcity.
Babbling Starlings are diurnal, with their most active foraging periods occurring during the cooler morning and late afternoon hours. They are predominantly arboreal foragers, adeptly gleaning insects from the bark, leaves, and flowers of trees, occasionally descending to the ground for fallen pr...
The Babbling Starling exhibits a somewhat disjunct distribution across south-central Africa, primarily inhabiting the miombo and mopane woodlands. Its main breeding range extends through central and eastern Angola, southern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), across much of Zambia, into western T...
Least Concern
- The Babbling Starling's genus, Neocichla, is monotypic, meaning it is the only species within its genus, highlighting its unique evolutionary distinctiveness. - Its common name, 'Babbling,' directly refers to its complex and varied vocalizations, which include an impressive array of whistles, g...