The chestnut-bellied starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. This is a common resident in arid Sahelian acacia savanna, namely in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, and Togo.
Region
Sahel and arid savannas of West to Northeast Africa
Typical Environment
Found from Senegal and Gambia east through the Sahel across Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, and into Cameroon, Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, with occurrences south into parts of Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. It prefers arid to semi-arid Acacia and thorn scrub, open woodland, and edges of cultivation. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes, including villages and grazing areas. It avoids dense forest and hyper-arid desert interiors but uses riparian trees and shelterbelts where available.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A common Sahelian starling, it thrives in arid acacia savannas and readily uses villages and farms, often nesting in cavities in trees or buildings. Its rich chestnut underparts and pale eye make it easy to pick out among other glossy starlings. Flocks frequently follow livestock or forage at termite emergences, taking advantage of flushed insects.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small to medium flocks outside the breeding season; groups often associate with livestock. Nests in cavities in trees, termite mounds, or buildings, and may reuse sites. Both sexes participate in nest defense and provisioning; communal roosting is common.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of metallic whistles, chatters, and harsh notes delivered from exposed perches. Incorporates mimicry and quick, chattering sequences during social interactions.
