The white-shouldered starling is a species of bird in the starling family Sturnidae. It breeds in southern China and northern Vietnam; it winters in Southeast Asia.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from southern China into northern Vietnam, dispersing south to winter across Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Malay Peninsula, with regular passage and winter records in lowland areas and towns. It favors open country with scattered trees, farmland, orchards, parks, and forest edges. Communal roosts are common in reedbeds and groves near water. It often occurs near human habitation and cultivated fields where food is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A gregarious starling easily recognized by its crisp white shoulder patch that flashes in flight. It breeds in southern China and northern Vietnam and migrates to winter across mainland Southeast Asia, often forming large communal roosts in reedbeds or urban trees. It readily uses cavities in trees or buildings for nesting and adapts well to agricultural and suburban landscapes.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Forms flocks outside the breeding season and gathers in large, noisy communal roosts. Nests in natural cavities, old woodpecker holes, or man-made structures, often in small colonies. Likely monogamous within a breeding season, with both parents involved in feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A varied, chattering series of whistles, clicks, and squeaky notes delivered from exposed perches. Calls are sharp and metallic in flight; males may incorporate mimicry and rapid improvisations during display.
Plumage
Smooth grey to grey-brown upperparts with contrasting white shoulder patch and paler underparts; flight feathers darker. Breeding males show a darker, glossy head and throat with clean white shoulder contrasting strongly. Females and non-breeding birds are duller with more uniform grey-brown tones.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. Also consumes fruits and berries (e.g., figs), cultivated fruits, and occasionally seeds or nectar. Foraging is opportunistic and adapts to seasonal availability of prey and fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground in open fields and lawns, in low trees and bushes, and along forest edges. Frequently exploits orchards, roadside trees, and urban parks, and may follow agricultural activity to pick invertebrates.
