Sturnia sinensis
The White-shouldered Starling, *Sturnia sinensis*, is a striking member of the Sturnidae family, renowned for its sexually dimorphic plumage and highly social nature. Males are particularly handsome, boasting a glossy black head that transitions to a grey back and rump, sharply contrasted by a brilliant white shoulder patch and white underparts; they typically measure 19-23 cm (7.5-9 inches) in length and weigh 50-70 grams. Females, in contrast, exhibit a duller, grey-brown coloration overall...
This adaptable starling thrives in open woodlands, cultivated fields, urban parks, and gardens, often in proximity to human settlements. They are typically found in lowland to foothill elevations, rarely venturing above 1500 meters.
Primarily an omnivore, the White-shouldered Starling feeds extensively on invertebrates, particularly grasshoppers, beetles, and insect larvae, supplemented by a significant intake of fruits such as figs and berries. They also opportunistically consume seeds and nectar.
White-shouldered Starlings are diurnal and highly gregarious, especially outside the breeding season when they form large, often spectacular, communal roosts in trees. Their foraging strategy is opportunistic, involving ground gleaning for insects and plucking fruits from trees, sometimes even ha...
The breeding range of the White-shouldered Starling encompasses southeastern China, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian provinces, as well as Taiwan and northern Vietnam. Following the breeding season, these birds undertake significant migrations, moving south to winter across a broa...
Least Concern
- The White-shouldered Starling is often seen in massive, synchronized flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. - Males sport a distinctive, brilliant white shoulder patch that gives the species its common name and is a key identification feature. - They a...