The Daurian starling, or purple-backed starling, is a species of bird in the starling family found in the eastern Palearctic from eastern Mongolia and southeastern Russia to North Korea and central China.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from eastern Mongolia and southeastern Russia through northeastern China and the Korean Peninsula. During migration and winter it moves south into eastern and southern China, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia including the Philippines and northern Borneo. Favors open woodlands, riverine forests, forest edges, farmland, orchards, and parks near scattered trees. Nests in cavities such as tree holes or artificial structures and readily uses human-modified landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the purple-backed starling, this species breeds in the eastern Palearctic and migrates south to winter in parts of East and Southeast Asia. It often forms noisy flocks outside the breeding season and roosts communally. Like many starlings, it is an agile forager and can help control insect populations in farmland and orchards.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often breeds semi-colonially, nesting in cavities and sometimes in loose groups. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, with both sexes helping to provision young. Outside breeding, forms flocks that forage and roost together, sometimes with other starlings.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A varied mix of chatters, whistles, and buzzy notes delivered from exposed perches. Includes mimicry of other species and mechanical-sounding clicks typical of starlings.
