The golden-breasted starling, also known as royal starling, is a medium-sized passerine in the starling family.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in the arid and semi-arid thornbush and savanna belt from Somalia and eastern Ethiopia south through eastern Kenya to northern Tanzania. It favors acacia-commiphora scrub, open dry woodland edges, and lightly grazed savanna with scattered trees. It uses natural cavities or old woodpecker holes for nesting and forages both on the ground and low in shrubs. The species avoids dense forest and high montane zones but tolerates human-modified landscapes with scattered trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the royal starling, this species is famed for its intensely iridescent plumage and very long, graduated tail. It often breeds cooperatively, with helpers assisting the nesting pair in feeding chicks. Insects make up much of its diet, but it also takes fruit, especially during dry periods. It adapts well to open thornbush country and is frequently seen near acacia trees.
At Bird Kingdom, Niagara Falls, Canada
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in family groups or small flocks, often engaging in cooperative breeding where non-breeding helpers feed nestlings. Nests are placed in tree cavities, lined with grasses and soft fibers. Pairs are territorial around nesting sites but tolerant when foraging in loose groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of whistling, chattering, and metallic notes, often delivered in short bursts. Calls include sharp contact chips and buzzy scolds used to keep flock members coordinated. Vocalizations are frequent during breeding and when moving between feeding sites.
Plumage
Highly glossy and iridescent with a metallic sheen; upperparts and head are green to blue-green, transitioning to violet-blue on the wings and tail. Underparts show a rich golden-yellow to orange-gold breast and belly. Tail is long and graduated with a satin-like gloss.
Diet
Primarily eats insects such as beetles, termites, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, which it gleans from the ground and low vegetation. Also takes spiders and other small arthropods. Supplements its diet with fruits and berries, particularly during dry spells or when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open acacia scrub, thornbush, and lightly wooded savanna, often near scattered trees or shrubs. Frequently searches along the ground, turning leaf litter and probing in crevices, and will also sally from low perches to catch prey.
