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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
