Stuhlmann's starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is native to the Albertine rift montane forests, the East African montane forests and the southwestern Ethiopian montane forests. Their length is usually around 19 cm, and they feed on seed, grain, arthropods and larvae. Fruits of the genus Ficus are also notable inclusions in their diet.
Region
East and Central African montane forests
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Albertine Rift and other East African highlands, including parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, western Kenya, northern Tanzania, and southwestern Ethiopia. It favors montane evergreen and secondary forests, forest edges, bamboo zones, and wooded clearings. Birds often forage in the mid-story to canopy, especially at fruiting fig trees, but will also drop to the ground in open glades. They readily use forest fragments and edges near cultivation when tall trees persist.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Stuhlmann's starling is a glossy, highland starling named after the German explorer Franz Stuhlmann. It frequents fruiting fig trees and often moves in noisy flocks between forest patches. Although largely resident, it may make short local movements following seasonal fruiting. Its pale eyes and deep purple-blue sheen help distinguish it from other dark starlings of East Africa.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct, strong flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms small to medium-sized flocks outside the breeding season and gathers at communal roosts. Pairs nest in cavities such as holes in trees, often reusing natural cavities or old woodpecker holes. They are attentive parents, with both adults provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a mix of sharp chattering notes, squeaky whistles, and metallic trills. Flocks can be noisy around fruiting trees, while pairs give softer contact calls near the nest.
Plumage
Uniform glossy dark plumage with a rich purple-blue iridescent sheen, especially on the head, breast, and mantle.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking seeds and grains, a variety of arthropods and their larvae, and abundant fruits. Ficus (fig) fruits are a key resource and may be targeted seasonally. They also glean insects from foliage and occasionally hawk short distances to catch flying prey.
Preferred Environment
Most feeding occurs in the forest mid-story and canopy, especially at fruiting trees. Birds also visit forest edges, secondary growth, and clearings, sometimes descending to the ground to pick fallen fruit or seeds.
