Garden birds of Alberton: The wattled starling

Did you know the wattled starling is a highly nomadic bird species that can be seen moving through Alberton?

The wattled starling is a pale bird which is largely grey to white in colour. Female and non-breeding males have a streak of black on their wings and a diagnostic white rump that is clearly visible during flight. In the breeding season the male grows several black wattles on its head, the feature this bird species is named after. During the breeding season, this makes the male unmistakeable.

Wattled starlings gather and feed in flocks. During the breeding season, large flocks of wattled starlings come together to make nests in thorn bushes. The nest itself is a bulky domed structure and is often joined to the nests of other breeding pairs. Wattled starlings are monogamous.

When not breeding, the wattled starling is nomadic. It travels great distances in search of areas where there is a large number of insects, its preferred source of food. The wattled starling feeds on the ground and also eats seeds and berries.

Sources:

https://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/sturnidae/creatophora_cinerea.htm

https://www.thekruger.com/knpbirds/creatophoracinerea.htm

Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa

Also Read:

Garden birds of Alberton: Masked Weaver

Garden birds of Alberton: The Cape sparrow

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.

Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup