The magpie starling is a member of the starling family from eastern Africa.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry savanna, thornbush, and open Acacia-Commiphora woodland, from lowlands to interior plateaus. It favors semi-arid habitats with scattered trees and shrubs, often near watercourses or seasonal pans. Frequently seen at the edges of pastoral areas and around villages where insects are abundant. The species can wander locally following rainfall and food availability.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The magpie starling is a striking black-and-white starling of eastern Africa, named for its bold magpie-like pattern. Flocks are often nomadic locally, tracking rains to exploit insect emergences. Its flashing white wing patches are highly conspicuous in flight and help individuals keep together in loose flocks. Like many starlings, it can incorporate varied sounds into its calls.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short rapid wingbeats; conspicuous flashing wing patches
Social Behavior
Usually in small to medium flocks outside the breeding season, foraging cooperatively and roosting communally. Pairs nest in cavities or suitable crevices in trees, often in thorny acacias. They show local movements to exploit ephemeral food sources after rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of whistles, chatters, and warbles typical of starlings. Calls can be loud and carry over open country, and individuals may mimic surrounding sounds. Vocal activity increases at dawn and at communal roosts.
Plumage
Glossy black upperparts with bold white patches on the wings and extensive white on the underparts; tail and mantle black, creating a sharp pied contrast.
Diet
Takes a wide range of insects such as beetles, termites, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, supplemented with fruits and berries when available. Will also pick at seeds and small invertebrates on the ground. Opportunistic feeding around livestock is common, snatching flushed insects. After rains, it exploits termite alates and other emergent prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground and in low shrubs within open thorn scrub and savanna. Frequently feeds along tracks, grazed areas, and the margins of human settlements where prey is concentrated.
