Top 15 Types Of Starling Birds (With Pictures)

Take a glimpse at the top 15 starling species, each with unique features and vivid photos that will captivate any bird lover.

starling bird species list

Starlings, a fascinating group of birds, showcase a wide array of species such as the European Starling, known for its dazzling iridescent plumage and synchronized flight patterns. The Rosy Starling stands out with its striking pink hue and shaggy crest, while the Spotless Starling sports a sleek, uniformly black coat. In contrast, the Common Myna is easily recognized by its brown body and bright yellow eye patches. Remarkably, the Bali Myna is critically endangered, featuring pure white plumage with distinct black wingtips. Each species adapts uniquely to its environment, exhibiting diverse behaviors and diets. Learn more about the diverse world of starlings and their intriguing lifestyles.

European Starling

invasive bird species introduction

The European Starling, scientifically known as Sturnus vulgaris, is a ubiquitous bird species prevalent throughout Eurasia. Known for their iridescent green and purple plumage in adults, and dull brown in juveniles, European Starlings exhibit complex social behaviors.

They form large flocks, perform synchronized aerial displays, and have a varied omnivorous diet, which includes insects, fruits, and seeds.

Rosy Starling

colorful bird from asia

Rosy Starlings are distinguished by their striking pink and black plumage. Adult males feature a shaggy crest, unlike the shorter-crested females. Juveniles appear sandy-brown, contrasting sharply with adults.

These nomadic birds breed in the Balkans and migrate to winter in India and Arabia. They often form large, dynamic colonies that underscore their distinct behavioral traits.

Spotless Starling

beautiful black bird

Spotless Starlings are characterized by their sleek, uniformly black plumage that exhibits a subtle metallic gloss during the spring and summer months. Unlike their Common Starling relatives, they show fewer pale spots in colder seasons and lack the metallic green and purple sheen.

Juveniles present a starkly uniform black appearance. Their distinct look and behavior set them apart from other starling species.

Common Myna

invasive bird species australia

Common Mynas, also recognized as Indian Mynas, are medium-sized starlings distinguished by their brown bodies and striking yellow eye patches. Originating from South Asia, they thrive in urban areas, adapting well to human presence.

Omnivorous, they consume insects, fruits, and scraps, often outcompeting native species. Efforts to manage their populations are essential to protect local ecosystems from their invasive impacts.

Bali Myna

critically endangered white bird

Shifting our focus to another member of the starling family, the Bali Myna is critically endangered and native exclusively to the island of Bali. Known for its distinctive white plumage and black wing tips, this bird faces threats from illegal wildlife trade.

With fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild, conservation efforts are vital, involving captive breeding and habitat protection.

Superb Starling

colorful bird in africa

Distinguished by its glossy blue-green and orange plumage, the Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus) thrives in the savannas, open woodlands, and grasslands of East Africa.

These birds are highly social, often found in small family groups or larger flocks, and exhibit cooperative breeding behavior.

Their melodious calls and vibrant presence make them a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers in the region.

Red-winged Starling

vibrant red winged bird

The Red-winged Starling, identified by its glossy black body and vivid red shoulder patches, is a prominent species across the savannas and woodlands of southern Africa. These birds are known for their distinctive and melodious call, which can often be heard echoing across the open landscapes. In addition to the Red-winged Starling, southern Africa is also home to various types of golden birds, adding to the region’s diverse avian population. The Red-winged Starling plays an important role in the ecosystem, aiding in pollination and seed dispersal as it forages for fruits and insects.

These starlings are noted for their melodious vocalizations, which include whistles and mimicry.

They feed on insects, fruits, and seeds, and breed in colonies, building cup-shaped nests in trees or cliffs, demonstrating notable social behavior.

Violet-backed Starling

colorful african bird species

Known for its striking iridescent plumage, the Violet-backed Starling is a visually enchanting species found throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Males display a vibrant violet back, contrasting with females' subtler green and blue hues.

These starlings inhabit savannas, woodlands, and scrub areas, forming small vocal flocks.

They communicate through an array of whistles and chirps, perching conspicuously in their habitats.

Tristram's Starling

a unique talking bird

Tristram's Starling, also recognized as Tristram's Grackle, captivates observers with its glossy black plumage and striking metallic iridescence. Named after Henry Baker Tristram, this bird features a distinctive yellow eye and a long, tapered tail.

Commonly found in Middle Eastern and North African rocky deserts, these birds often forage in small groups, subsisting primarily on insects and seeds.

Brahminy Starling

bird with orange underparts

Brahminy Starling, also termed the Brahminy Myna, thrives across the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its glossy black plumage and a conspicuous white patch on the wings.

These birds exhibit a yellow bill and legs, and their diet includes insects, fruits, and nectar.

Known for melodious calls, Brahminy Starlings usually gather in pairs or small flocks, contributing to seed dispersal and ecosystem balance.

Chestnut-cheeked Starling

brightly colored bird species

Moving from the Indian subcontinent to East Asia, the Chestnut-cheeked Starling features prominently with its unique chestnut-colored cheeks and shimmering plumage.

Native to China, Japan, and Korea, this social bird thrives in large flocks, especially during migration.

It sustains on a diet of fruits, seeds, and insects, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal and maintaining ecological balance in its habitat.

Golden-crested Myna

colorful bird with crest

The Golden-crested Myna, adorned with a vivid yellow crest, is a mesmerizing presence in the forests and open woodlands of Southeast Asia.

Native to regions like Indonesia and Malaysia, this bird captivates with its distinctive vocalizations of whistles and chatters.

It thrives on a diet of fruits, insects, and small invertebrates, typically seen in small groups or pairs.

Asian Pied Starling

beautiful black and white

Renowned for its contrasting black and white plumage, the Asian Pied Starling is a vibrant member of the Sturnidae family, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Measuring 23-25 cm in length, these medium-sized birds are known for their raucous calls and social behavior.

They are often found in noisy flocks, feeding on insects, fruits, and seeds in both urban and rural settings.

Wattled Starling

colorful bird with wattles

Native to the expansive landscapes of East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, the Wattled Starling is easily recognizable by its striking yellow throat wattle. These birds exhibit glossy black plumage with a purple sheen and thrive in open savannas and grasslands.

Social and gregarious, Wattled Starlings often form large flocks, particularly during the breeding season, as they forage for insects and fruits.

Are Starling Birds Known for Flocking Together With Other Types of Birds?

Yes, starling birds are known for flocking together with other types of flocking birds, such as sparrows and blackbirds. These gatherings, also known as murmurations, create stunning aerial displays. Watching these types of flocking birds with pictures can truly be a breathtaking experience.

White-cheeked Starling

distinctive white cheeked starling bird

Moving from the African savannas to the diverse ecosystems of Southeast Asia, we encounter another fascinating bird, the White-cheeked Starling. Known also as the Grey Starling, this species boasts a dark body contrasted with vivid white cheeks and a metallic sheen.

These social birds thrive in large flocks, delighting with their melodious sounds, and feed on fruits, insects, and nectar across Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.