The wattled starling is a nomadic resident bird in eastern and southern Africa. It is a species of grassland, open woodland, and cultivation.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
This species is widespread across open habitats from Ethiopia and South Sudan south through East Africa to South Africa and Namibia. It favors grasslands, savannas, open woodland, and farmlands, especially where livestock graze. Colonies often spring up after rains when insect numbers surge. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes and is commonly seen around settlements and fields. It roosts communally in trees, reedbeds, or urban sites.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The wattled starling is the only member of its genus and is noted for the yellow facial skin and floppy black wattles that breeding males develop. Highly nomadic, it tracks rainfall and insect outbreaks, forming large, noisy colonies when conditions are good. It often follows grazing mammals or agricultural activity to catch insects they flush. When locusts swarm, these starlings can gather in vast numbers to feed.
Non-breeding male
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, purposeful flight and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious, forming large flocks outside the breeding season and nesting colonially when conditions allow. Breeding is opportunistic and often follows rains; nests are cup-shaped structures placed in trees or shrubs. Both sexes attend the nest, and colonies can be noisy with constant coming and going.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are varied chatter, squeaks, and whistles, often delivered in busy colonies. Males add buzzing and clicking notes during display. The overall impression is a harsh, conversational chorus rather than a melodic song.
Plumage
Non-breeding birds are grey-brown above with paler underparts and a slightly scaly appearance; the rump is pale and contrasts in flight. Breeding males show a blackish crown and throat with extensive bare yellow facial skin and hanging black wattles. Wings are brownish with pale edges; in flight a pale rump and contrasting wing panels can be evident.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects, especially locusts, grasshoppers, beetles, and termites. It opportunistically takes other invertebrates disturbed by grazing animals or ploughs. It may supplement its diet with small amounts of fruit and seeds when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground in open grassland, pastures, croplands, and at the edges of wetlands. Frequently associates with herds of wild ungulates or livestock, exploiting flushed prey. Also feeds along roadsides and recently burned areas where insects are abundant.
