Pale-winged Starling

Least Concern

Onychognathus nabouroup

A musical acrobat of Africa's rocky outcrops, this glossy starling stands out with its striking white wing patches that flash brilliantly during flight.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Pale-winged Starling is a striking bird with glossy black plumage covering most of its body. Its most distinctive feature is the pale wing pattern, showing cream-coloured and rufous patches visible during flight.

While males and females share similar colouring, males are typically slightly larger in size. Juveniles appear duller, with a brownish tinge to their plumage, less glossy feathers, and brown eyes compared to the orange-yellow eyes of adults.

Size

Length

25cm to 28cm

Wingspan

45cm to 50cm

Weight

94g to 122g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Brown

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Pale-winged Starlings are native to southern Africa, primarily found in Namibia, South Africa, and parts of Botswana. They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, showing a preference for rocky outcrops, cliffs, and mountainous areas.

These birds are year-round residents in their range, with no significant seasonal movements. They are well-adapted to harsh, dry environments and are often associated with desert and semi-desert landscapes.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Arid, Semi-arid

Distribution Map

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 60
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 45
Endurance 80

Diet

Pale-winged Starlings are omnivorous, with a diet consisting of insects, small fruits, and seeds. They forage on the ground and in vegetation, using their strong beaks to probe crevices and turn over stones in search of prey.

During the breeding season, they increase their intake of protein-rich insects.

Behaviour

Pale-winged Starlings are highly social birds, often seen in small flocks or pairs. They are agile flyers, capable of swift, acrobatic movements when foraging or evading predators.

These birds are known for their curious nature, often investigating rocky crevices and tree cavities in search of food or nesting sites.

Vocalisation

Pale-winged Starlings have a varied vocal repertoire, including melodious whistles and warbling calls. Their most characteristic sound is a clear, high-pitched 'whee-oo' or 'pee-oo' whistle, often repeated in series.

They also produce chattering and clicking noises, especially when in flocks or during social interactions.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding typically occurs during the late winter to early summer months. Pale-winged Starlings form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting sites year after year.

Nests are built in rock crevices, cliff faces, or occasionally in tree cavities. Both partners participate in nest construction, using grass, twigs, and feathers to create a cup-shaped structure.

Females lay 2-4 pale blue eggs with brown speckles. Incubation lasts about 14 days, with both parents sharing duties. Chicks fledge after approximately 23-25 days but may remain dependent on parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 2 - 5 years
0
2
4
5
7

years

The Pale-winged Starling typically lives for 2 to 5 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, Pale-winged Starlings have a stable population. However, they face localised threats from habitat degradation due to overgrazing and climate change in their arid habitats.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable rocky habitats and monitoring population trends.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but common to abundant [2]

Global Population Trend

Stable[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Pale-winged Starlings in rocky, arid areas, especially near cliffs or ravines
  • Listen for their distinctive whistling calls, which can help locate them
  • Observe their flight pattern, noting the conspicuous white wing patches
  • Watch for their gregarious behaviour, often seen in small groups

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Family:

Sturnidae

Predators

Main predators include larger raptors such as eagles and falcons, as well as snakes that can access nesting sites in rock crevices.

Did You Know?

  1. Pale-winged Starlings can survive in areas with very little rainfall, obtaining most of their water from their food.
  2. They have been observed using tools, such as twigs, to probe for insects in tree bark.
  3. These birds play a role in seed dispersal, contributing to the ecological balance of their arid habitats.

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References

  1. 1 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Onychognathus nabouroup. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22710600A263776542.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 1998: Feare and Craig