The Socotra starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is endemic to Socotra island, which is off the southeast coast of Yemen.
Region
Socotra Archipelago, Arabian Sea
Typical Environment
Occurs across Socotra from coastal plains and rocky shorelines to inland wadis, limestone escarpments, and the foothills of the Hagghier Mountains. It readily uses human-modified habitats including villages, date-palm groves, and small farms. Favours cliffs, gorges, and boulder-strewn slopes for roosting and nesting. Often perches on buildings and prominent rocks to scan for food and predators.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Endemic to Socotra Island, this starling often frequents villages and palm groves, becoming quite confiding around people. In flight it shows striking rufous wing panels typical of its genus. It feeds on insects and fruit, helping disperse seeds of native plants.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with short glides; rufous wing panels conspicuous in flight
Social Behavior
Often forms small flocks outside the breeding season and gathers at communal roosts on cliffs or buildings. Pairs are likely monogamous and nest in cavities or crevices on rocky faces and structures. Both sexes are attentive at the nest and defend nearby feeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of whistles, chatters, and melodious phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp contact notes used to keep flock cohesion around feeding sites.
Plumage
Mostly dark, glossy blackish to sooty-brown with a subtle sheen; shows rich rufous wing panels when flying.
Diet
Takes a mix of insects such as beetles and grasshoppers, along with fruits and berries from native shrubs and trees. Will also exploit cultivated fruits, especially dates, when available. Occasionally hawks insects in the air but more often gleans from the ground and foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along wadis, rocky slopes, palm groves, and around human settlements where fruiting trees and insect activity are high. Often forages in small groups, moving between perches and open ground.
