Grafisia torquata
A medium-sized starling, approximately 20-22 cm (7.9-8.7 in) in length and weighing around 60-70g. It presents a striking appearance with entirely glossy, iridescent black plumage that shimmers with purple, blue, and green hues under direct light. Its most distinctive feature, and the origin of its name, is a broad, pure white collar encircling the hindneck, sharply contrasting with its dark body. The bill is strong, conical, and dark, while the eyes are typically dark brown. There is no sign...
This species primarily inhabits the canopy and mid-story of tropical lowland rainforests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to around 1,400 meters.
The diet of the White-collared Starling is omnivorous, consisting primarily of a mix of fruits, berries, and a variety of invertebrates such as insects. They forage mainly by gleaning from foliage and branches within the forest canopy.
White-collared Starlings are primarily diurnal, active during daylight hours, and often roost communally in large trees or dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects and fruit from foliage and branches, often working their way methodically through the canopy. While ...
The White-collared Starling is endemic to a relatively restricted region of west-central Africa. Its breeding and year-round range extends from southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon, eastward through the Central African Republic, and south into northern and central parts of the Democrati...
Least Concern
- The White-collared Starling's striking white collar makes it one of the most easily identifiable starling species within its range. - Despite its distinctive appearance, detailed studies on its reproductive biology and specific behaviors are surprisingly scarce. - It is endemic to a relatively ...