Onychognathus tristramii
The Tristram's Starling, *Onychognathus tristramii*, is a striking medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 25-27 cm (9.8-10.6 inches) in length with a long, graduated tail and a wingspan of approximately 40-42 cm (15.7-16.5 inches). Adults are predominantly glossy black, iridescent with purple, blue, and green sheens depending on the light, and possess distinctive bright orange patches at the base of their primary flight feathers, visible especially in flight. A prominent field mark is it...
Found in arid and semi-arid environments, particularly favoring rocky cliffs, wadis, gorges, and canyons, as well as increasingly adapting to urban areas. Occurs from sea level around the Dead Sea to high mountainous regions.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits, especially dates, figs, and berries, supplemented by insects and some nectar. Forages by gleaning from trees and shrubs, probing on the ground, and catching insects aerially.
Tristram's Starlings are diurnal birds, often gathering in large, noisy communal roosts on cliff faces or tall buildings at dusk. They are opportunistic foragers, gleaning insects and fruit from trees, shrubs, and the ground, and are adept at catching insects in flight. During the breeding season...
The Tristram's Starling is endemic to the Middle East, primarily distributed across Israel, Jordan, the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Its core range extends along the Great Rift Valley, including the Dead Sea region, the Negev Desert, and the A...
Least Concern
- Tristram's Starlings are sometimes affectionately called 'Date Starlings' due to their strong preference for dates, a significant part of their diet. - Their scientific name, *Onychognathus*, means 'clawed jaw', referring to the hooked tip of their beak. - They are one of the few bird species t...