Cape Starling

The Cape Starling is a medium-sized bird with striking iridescent plumage. Its feathers shimmer with a metallic blue-green sheen, often appearing purple in certain light conditions. The body is sleek and compact, with a relatively long tail.

Adults have bright yellow eyes that contrast sharply with their dark plumage. Juveniles are duller, with a more brownish tint and darker eyes, gradually developing adult colouration as they mature.

Cape Starlings are known for their diverse vocal repertoire. Their calls include a variety of whistles, warbles, and chattering sounds.

They often mimic other bird species and even make mechanical noises. A common call is a high-pitched 'wee-wee-wee' or a melodious 'tswee-tswee-tswee'.

• Look for large flocks in open woodland areas and near human settlements
• Listen for their varied vocalisations, including whistles and chattering calls
• Observe their iridescent plumage, which changes colour depending on the angle of light
• Check fruiting trees, where they often gather to feed

Cape Starlings are omnivorous, with a diet of fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. They often forage on the ground, probing the soil with their beaks.

These birds are also known to follow large mammals, feeding on insects disturbed by their movement.

Cape Starlings typically breed during the warmer months, from September to March. They form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting sites year after year.

Nests are built in tree cavities, rock crevices, or man-made structures. The female lays 2-5 pale blue eggs with brown speckles. Both parents participate in nest building and incubation.

The incubation period lasts about 13-15 days, with chicks fledging after approximately 22-28 days. Parents continue to feed the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.

Cape Starlings are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks. They have a distinctive undulating flight pattern and are known for their agile movements on the ground.

These birds are vocal and frequently engage in communal roosting, creating impressive aerial displays before settling for the night.

The Cape Starling is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its adaptability to human-modified environments and wide distribution contribute to its stable population.

However, like many birds, it faces challenges from habitat loss and climate change, particularly in more arid regions of its range.