The white-crowned starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across Djibouti, eastern Ethiopia, northern and eastern Kenya, and Somalia. Prefers semi-arid to arid habitats with scattered trees and thorn scrub, especially Acacia-Commiphora bushland. Regular around dry riverbeds, rocky slopes with shrubs, and open savanna edges. Often visits villages, wells, and livestock enclosures to forage. Tolerant of disturbed landscapes if some tree cover and nest cavities are available.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This glossy starling is easily recognized by its crisp white crown contrasting with a dark, iridescent body. It thrives in the arid thorn scrub of the Horn of Africa and often associates with livestock to snatch flushed insects. Pairs nest in cavities in trees or buildings and gather in small flocks outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes forming loose flocks around feeding sites and water sources. Nests in tree cavities, holes in buildings, or old woodpecker nests; both sexes participate in nest duties. Territorial near nest sites but tolerant when foraging in open areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of sharp chatters, whistles, and metallic notes. Calls can be harsh and scolding near nests, shifting to more musical whistles during social interactions.
Plumage
Glossy dark plumage with blue-green to purplish sheen and a sharply contrasting white crown. Face and mantle are darker, giving a capped appearance. Wings and tail are sleek and iridescent; underparts are uniformly dark.
Diet
Eats a wide range of invertebrates such as beetles, grasshoppers, and termites, taken from the ground or low shrubs. Also consumes fruits and berries when available, and may peck at nectar-rich flowers. Opportunistically exploits insects flushed by grazing livestock and visits refuse around settlements.
Preferred Environment
Forages in semi-open scrub, acacia bushland, and edges of dry riverbeds. Frequently feeds around pastoral areas, water points, and village peripheries where insects and scraps are abundant.
