WATTLED STARLING
Creatophora cinerea
DESCRIPTION
The Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea) is a medium-sized bird characterized by its striking appearance, featuring a grayish body with distinctive yellow wattles on its face. These wattles are particularly prominent during the breeding season, adding to the bird's unique look. In terms of behavior, Wattled Starlings are known for their social nature, often seen in flocks, and they exhibit a range of vocalizations that contribute to their communicative behavior.
FUN FACTS
- Wattled Starlings are known for their impressive vocal abilities, often mimicking the sounds of other birds and environmental noises, which makes them quite entertaining to observe
- Additionally, during the breeding season, males perform elaborate displays to attract females, showcasing their wattles and engaging in vocal duets that can be heard from a distance
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild
Average Weight100-150 g
Average Length24-26 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — they are often found in flocks that can number in the hundreds.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Wattled Starlings inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas, often near water sources. They prefer habitats that provide ample foraging opportunities and nesting sites.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland
- Native Range
- The Wattled Starling is native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the eastern and southern regions.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia
- Diet
- Wattled Starlings primarily feed on insects and fruits, foraging on the ground and in trees. They are opportunistic feeders and will also consume seeds and other plant materials.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, fruits, seeds
- Social Structure
- group — they are often found in flocks that can number in the hundreds.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 50-200
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
100-150 g
Weight
24-26 cm
Length
- Coloration
- grayish body with yellow facial wattles and a black crown
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males have more pronounced wattles than females
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-4 eggs
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Wattled Starlings is currently stable, though they face habitat loss in some areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Not precisely estimated, but considered common in suitable habitats.
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urbanization. Additionally, they may be affected by pesticide use that reduces their insect prey.
- Predators
- Birds of prey, snakes, and domestic cats are known to prey on Wattled Starlings.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often rely on their social behavior to evade predators, using flocking to confuse and deter threats.
- Compatible Animals
- other starlings, finches, sparrows
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon