The spot-winged starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It breeds in northern India and western Nepal; it winters in Northeast India, north-eastern Bangladesh and Myanmar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. This species was first bred in the UK by Mrs K.M. Scamell in 1969. A detailed account of the breeding can be found in the January/February 1970 edition of Foreign Birds, the journal of the Foreign Bird League.
Region
Himalayan foothills and Northeast India to western Myanmar
Typical Environment
Breeds in broadleaf and mixed subtropical montane forests of northern India and western Nepal, using forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. In winter it descends to lower elevations across Northeast India and into north-eastern Bangladesh and Myanmar. It frequents fruiting trees such as figs and often appears at forest margins, orchards, and bamboo groves. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats provided tall trees and fruiting resources remain.
Altitude Range
100–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This elusive Himalayan starling shows bold white spots on the wings that flash conspicuously in flight. It undertakes short-distance seasonal movements between montane breeding forests and lower-elevation wintering areas. It has been placed in the monotypic genus Saroglossa. Remarkably, it was first bred in the United Kingdom by Mrs. K. M. Scamell in 1969, an early captive-breeding milestone for the species.
Male on a coral tree (Erythrina sp.)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short rapid wingbeats; wing spots conspicuous in flight
Social Behavior
Often seen in small, loose flocks, especially around fruiting trees. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker/barbet holes, typically high in trees. Pairs may nest semi-colonially where suitable cavities are clustered.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A series of thin, sibilant whistles, chatters, and squeaks delivered from canopy perches. Calls can be mixed with harsh notes, and birds are often more easily detected by their flight calls near fruiting trees.
