The rosy starling, also known as the rose-coloured starling or rose-coloured pastor, is a passerine bird in the starling family. The species was recently placed in its own monotypic genus, Pastor, and split from Sturnus. This split is supported by recent studies, though other related species within its new genus are not yet known for certain.
Region
Central Asia and South Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from eastern Europe through the steppe and semi-arid zones of Central Asia, then migrates to the Indian subcontinent for winter. Prefers open country such as steppes, semi-deserts, grasslands and extensive agricultural landscapes. During the breeding season it nests colonially in rocky outcrops, cliff crevices, buildings and other cavities. In winter it frequents farmlands, scrub, towns and fruiting trees. Occurrence can be highly irruptive and tracks insect abundance, especially locust swarms.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the rose-coloured starling, it breeds colonially in vast numbers and often irrupts westward during years of abundant locusts. Its diet makes it an important natural controller of locust and grasshopper outbreaks. Breeding males show a distinctive short, shaggy crest and striking pink-and-black contrast. Outside the breeding season it often forms huge, spectacular roosts with thousands of birds.
Summer plumages:Adult male (center). female (below), and juvenile (behind)
In Kazakhstan
Male
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious year-round, forming dense flocks and roosts. Breeds in large colonies with nests packed into crevices in cliffs, buildings or among rocks. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, and both sexes help feed the young. Outside breeding, flocks move widely to exploit ephemeral food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A mix of high-pitched squeaks, buzzes and metallic chattering, often delivered in excited bursts. Males display at colonies with crest raised, wing-flicking and a varied, mechanical-sounding chatter.
Plumage
Breeding male has pale rosy-pink body contrasting with glossy black head, wings and tail, and a short shaggy crest; female is duller with less saturated pink and reduced gloss. Non-breeding birds are browner with more subdued pink and less pronounced crest.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects, especially locusts, grasshoppers and beetles, which dominate the diet in the breeding season. Will also take other invertebrates and opportunistically eats fruits and berries such as mulberries and dates outside the breeding season. Forages both on the ground and by gleaning from low vegetation, often in tight, coordinated flocks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open fields, steppe grasslands, fallow lands and crop fields where insects are abundant. In winter it often exploits orchards, fruiting trees and urban edges. Frequently congregates at sites with locust swarms or irrigated farmland.
