The white-billed starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
This species occurs in the Ethiopian Highlands of northern Ethiopia and adjacent Eritrea, favoring rugged escarpments, gorges, and cliff systems. It frequents open montane country, rocky slopes, and agricultural mosaics near cliffs. Birds also visit towns and villages to forage, especially where fruiting trees are present. Nesting typically occurs on ledges, in crevices, or under overhangs on sheer rock faces. Local movements track food availability but remain within the highland zone.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The white-billed starling is a cliff-associated starling restricted to the highlands of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Adults are easily recognized by their ivory-white bill and glossy dark plumage, with chestnut wing panels flashing in flight. They often forage in villages and farmlands near escarpments and nest in crevices on rock faces. Pairs or small groups are commonly seen perching on cliff ledges and soaring along updrafts.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats; often soars and glides along cliff updrafts
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs, family parties, or small flocks, especially around cliff faces. Nests are placed on ledges or in crevices on rocky escarpments, sometimes in loose colonies. Both sexes help with nest building and chick rearing, and birds often roost communally on sheltered ledges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, fluty whistles interspersed with harsher chacks and rattles. Calls are often given in flight and when birds gather on ledges, creating a lively, metallic chorus.
Plumage
Glossy dark plumage with a metallic sheen; chestnut-rufous primary panels visible in flight; tail moderately long and slightly squared.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of fruits and invertebrates, taking berries and small wild fruits along with beetles, termites, and other insects. It gleans from foliage and ground, and will sally out to catch flying insects. In agricultural areas, it forages for spilled grain and takes advantage of fruiting trees near settlements.
Preferred Environment
Forages along cliff tops, rocky slopes, farmland edges, and in villages with fruiting trees. Often searches crevices and ground near escarpments and uses perches with good vantage over open terrain.
