Red-winged Starling
Onychognathus morio
Widespread. Female has grey head and mantle. Both sexes show brick-red wings in flight.
Starlings
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. Told from [Pale-winged Starling] by larger size, entirely red-brown flight feathers and sexual plumage differences. The eye is dark. Has a variety of pleasant, loud whistles, the most frequent being a drawn-out ‘spreeooo’. Pairs and flocks (large at communal roosts) frequent cliffs, caves or buildings where they roost and breed, dispersing daily to seek fruits and berries.
Quick Facts
Size
27-28 cm - M
Names
A: Rooivlerkspreeu
Z: iNsomi
Ss: Letshomila
G: Rotschwingenstar
Bird Family
A well-known family of frugivorous and insectivorous birds with strong, slightly decurved bills and strong legs. Many species form flocks, especially when roosting. Their calls are mainly various unmusical squeaks and squawks. Several species have adapted to town life and two have been introduced from other countries. Unless otherwise stated, the immatures resemble adults.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Pairs and 'flocks' (large at communal roosts) frequent cliffs, caves or buildings where they roost and breed, dispersing daily to seek fruits and berries.
