Wattled Starling
Creatophora cinerea
Wattled Starling, an insect-eating bird in African grasslands and human areas.
| Scientific name | Creatophora cinerea |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 150-180 grams; female: slightly lighter, about 130-160 grams |
How to identify
Male has prominent wattles on head and neck; plumage mainly black with green metallic sheen; wings and tail black; female lacks wattles and has duller coloration; call is loud and varied
Habitat
Open grasslands, wooded savannas, farmland, and areas near human settlements
Diet
Omnivorous, primarily insectivorous but also eats fruits and seeds
When it is active
Diurnal, active during the day
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; common in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve
How to spot it
Frequently active at dawn or dusk in open grasslands or field edges; pay attention to the wattle characteristic on the head; easier to spot in groups
Photography tips
Use telephoto lens to capture details of the head wattles; photograph in ample natural light to capture flight and foraging behavior
Threats
Habitat loss and agricultural activities have minor impact; no major threats currently
Similar species
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), which lacks wattles and has grayer plumage; other Sturnidae members are smaller and lack wattles
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