Waller's starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane zones from the highlands of Kenya and northern Tanzania through Uganda and into the Albertine Rift region. It favors evergreen and mixed montane forest, forest edges, bamboo belts, rocky gorges, and cliff faces. The species also uses human-altered habitats such as tea and coffee estates and towns where suitable nesting crevices exist. It is generally sedentary but makes local movements following fruit availability.
Altitude Range
1000–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Waller's starling is a medium-sized glossy starling of East African highlands, often seen around cliffs and forest edges. It shows striking rufous wing panels that flash in flight. Pairs and small groups nest in crevices on rocky faces or in holes in buildings and tree cavities. They readily gather at fruiting figs and can become quite confiding near mountain lodges.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, purposeful flight; often glides and wheels around cliffs
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, sometimes forming loose flocks at fruiting trees. Nests in crevices on cliffs, in rock faces, or in cavities in buildings and trees. Pairs defend nesting sites but may forage communally nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Varied whistles and clear, ringing notes mixed with metallic chattering typical of starlings. Calls carry well across valleys and rocky slopes and are given both from perches and in flight.
Plumage
Glossy blue-black overall with distinctly rufous primary wing panels that are most obvious in flight; plumage appears sleek and uniform at rest.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of fruits (especially figs and other montane berries) and invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. Will glean insects from foliage and sally out to catch flying insects. Also takes nectar or soft plant matter opportunistically and may visit human scraps in settlements.
Preferred Environment
Often forages at forest edges, along roadsides with fruiting trees, and around cliffs and rocky outcrops. Readily exploits fruiting figs in villages and plantations near montane forests.
