Tristram's starling, also known as Dead Sea starling or Tristram's grackle, is a species of starling native to the Middle East. It is the only member of the genus Onychognathus found mainly outside of Africa. The species is named after Reverend Henry Baker Tristram, who collected natural history specimens.
Region
Levant and western Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Dead Sea basin and Sinai through southern Israel and Jordan into the rocky wadis and escarpments of western Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Prefers arid cliff faces, canyons, and oases with nearby vegetation or human settlements. Frequently forages in date groves, villages, and tourist sites. Often roosts and nests on ledges, caves, and building crevices near steep terrain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Tristram's starling, also called Tristram's grackle, is the only member of the genus Onychognathus found mainly outside Africa. It is common around cliffs and tourist sites near the Dead Sea, Masada, and Petra, where birds can become remarkably tame. In flight, its vivid orange wing panels are highly conspicuous. The species is named after Reverend Henry Baker Tristram, a 19th‑century naturalist.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Gregarious, often seen in small to medium flocks that gather at roosts and feeding sites. Nests in colonies on cliffs or buildings, placing nests in crevices and cavities. Pairs are likely monogamous and show strong site fidelity. Comfortable around people and may beg for food at tourist locations.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty whistles interspersed with chattering notes, often delivered from prominent perches. Vocal and communicative within flocks, with calls that carry well across canyon walls and built environments.
Plumage
Males are glossy black with bold rufous-orange wing panels; females are brownish-gray with a paler gray head and similarly colored wing panels. Plumage is sleek and smooth, with a slightly square tail. Strong sexual dimorphism in overall tone.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking fruits (especially dates and figs), seeds, and a variety of invertebrates. Frequently hawks insects in flight or gleans them from the ground and rocky surfaces. Will opportunistically take human food scraps and visit outdoor cafés or picnic areas. Occasionally consumes small vertebrates when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along cliff bases, oases, agricultural groves (notably date palms), and urban edges. Takes advantage of water sources and shade in wadis and resorts, often foraging near people.
