The spotless starling is a passerine bird in the starling family, Sturnidae. It is closely related to the common starling, but has a much more restricted range, confined to the Iberian Peninsula, Northwest Africa, southernmost France, and the islands of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia. It is largely non-migratory.
Region
Western Mediterranean
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Iberian Peninsula, northwest Africa, southernmost France, and the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily. It favors open farmland, olive groves, orchards, and pastures, as well as towns, villages, and coastal scrub. Roosts may form in reedbeds, dense trees, or urban structures. It is largely sedentary with only local movements in winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A close relative of the common starling, the spotless starling is a glossy black bird that largely lacks the pale speckling of its cousin, especially in breeding plumage. It thrives in human-modified landscapes, nesting readily in cavities in buildings, trees, and cliffs. Where ranges overlap, it can hybridize with common starlings, and males are accomplished mimics, incorporating a wide range of sounds into their songs.
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms flocks outside the breeding season and gathers in large, noisy communal roosts. Nests in cavities in colonies or semi-colonially, often in buildings or tree holes. Pairs are typically seasonal monogamists, and in mild climates may raise multiple broods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, varied warble with whistles, rattles, and clicks, often delivered from a prominent perch. Males are adept mimics, incorporating calls of other birds and environmental sounds into their songs.
