Red-winged Starling: The Striking Starling of South Africa

Starlings often get a pretty bad reputation, and much of that negative image probably comes from the Common Starling. Across large parts of its introduced range, the species is considered an invasive pest. In places where Common Starlings have not been introduced, Common Mynas have frequently filled a similar role. These birds are also invasive and can cause considerable problems, and their taxonomic relationship with starlings does not exactly help the group’s public image.

Even in Europe, where Common Starlings naturally occur rather than being introduced, they are not always especially popular. Familiar birds such as Blue Tits and European Robins have managed to win people over, while widespread encounters with starlings have often produced the opposite reaction. In their case, familiarity seems to have created little more than annoyance.

Starlings Are More Than Pests

That reputation is rather undeserved. Starlings and mynas are highly adaptable, visually appealing, and intelligent birds. They have also been remarkably successful in occupying a wide variety of environments.

To truly appreciate just how diverse this group is, however, it is worth traveling to Africa and Asia. Africa in particular is home to a fascinating selection of starling species, including the striking Red-winged Starling.

Red-winged Starlings in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa, is an excellent destination for seeing Red-winged Starlings. Like Common Starlings, these birds are comfortable around people and readily take advantage of opportunities to find food near human activity.

While visiting Table Mountain, I was able to approach them quite closely as they attempted to make off with chips from the area around the summit. Their willingness to associate with people can make them surprisingly easy to observe.

An Omnivorous Diet

Red-winged Starlings have a varied diet and are omnivorous. They feed on fruit as well as insects and small reptiles, allowing them to take advantage of whatever food resources are available.

They are also perfectly willing to enter buildings while searching for food. In places with plenty of human activity, they may scavenge discarded food, including leftovers and waste carelessly abandoned by students.

Differences Between Males and Females

Male and female Red-winged Starlings are noticeably different in appearance. Males have glossy black heads that contrast strongly with the rest of their plumage, while females have distinctive gray or ashy-gray heads.

The reddish coloration on the wings is another obvious feature of the species and becomes particularly noticeable when the birds are perched or moving around.

A Memorable National Park Encounter

I encountered these Red-winged Starlings in the Cape of Good Hope National Park. The park itself is an excellent place for bird and wildlife watching, with species such as Bontebok, Ostriches, Cape Cormorants, Malachite Sunbirds, and Cape Sugarbirds among the attractions.

If you ever find yourself visiting Cape Town, the park is well worth making time for. Along with its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, it offers a great opportunity to see Red-winged Starlings up close.