Sharpe's starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is monotypic in the genus Pholia.
Region
East and Central African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane forests, forest edges, bamboo zones, and adjacent secondary growth. It frequents clearings, fruiting trees, and forest-lined valleys, and may venture into plantations near suitable forest. Birds typically forage from the understorey to mid-canopy, moving methodically through foliage. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where tall trees and fruiting resources remain, but is most common in intact montane forest.
Altitude Range
1200–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Sharpe's starling is the sole member of the genus Pholia and inhabits East and Central African montane forests. It often travels in small groups and may join mixed-species flocks, quietly working the mid-canopy for insects and fruit. Unlike many glossy starlings, it is rather plain and can be overlooked in dense foliage. It is currently not considered globally threatened.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and sometimes joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Likely nests in cavities or sheltered sites within montane forest. Pairs maintain contact calls while foraging and may defend small territories around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin whistles and chatters interspersed with softer trills. Calls include sharp contact notes used to keep groups together in dense foliage.
Plumage
Plain dusky-gray to brownish starling with a short tail and subtle scaling on the underparts; lacks the strong iridescence of many starlings.
Diet
Takes a wide range of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and other insects gleaned from leaves and bark. Also consumes fruits and berries from native forest trees and shrubs, switching seasonally as resources become available. Occasionally hawks short distances for flying insects and may forage on the ground at forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understorey to mid-canopy of montane forest and along edges with fruiting trees. Often forages in small groups, moving steadily through mixed-species flocks where it benefits from group vigilance.
