Agropsar sturninus
The Daurian Starling (Agropsar sturninus) is a captivating passerine bird, known for the striking sexual dimorphism displayed in its breeding plumage. Males are particularly handsome, boasting a glossy, purplish-black head, nape, back, wings, and tail, sharply contrasting with crisp white underparts and distinctive chestnut flanks. A prominent white patch on the primary coverts, visible in flight, serves as a key identification mark. Females are more subdued, with brownish-grey upperparts and...
This species primarily inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, cultivated fields, orchards, and urban parks, often found near water bodies, breeding in lowlands and foothills.
Primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, consuming beetles, caterpillars, and ants, their diet shifts to include a significant amount of fruits, berries, and seeds outside of breeding, foraging both on the ground and in trees.
Daurian Starlings exhibit highly gregarious behavior, especially outside the breeding season, forming large, often mixed-species flocks that can number in the hundreds or thousands, particularly during migration and winter. They forage both arboreally, gleaning insects from foliage, and terrestri...
The Daurian Starling's breeding range spans extensive areas of Eastern Asia, encompassing Transbaikal, Amurland, and Ussuriland in Russia, as well as northeastern China (Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia), North Korea, and South Korea. Following the breeding season, these starlings undertake a signifi...
Least Concern
- The Daurian Starling was formerly classified in the widespread genus *Sturnus* but was moved to *Agropsar* due to genetic distinctions. - Males undergo a dramatic molt into their glossy breeding plumage, making them one of the most visually striking starlings in Asia. - Outside of the breeding ...