Red-winged Starlings Series Part 1

Red-winged Starlings (Onychognathus morio) are far spread over a wide region, from Ethiopia down to Cape Town, and are very much indigenous to the areas they inhabit.

Over a four-part series, you will discover all you need to know about these amazing birds.

The Red-wing is identified as a medium glossy-black bird with brick-red windows under the wings that are striking in flight, and a graduated pointed tail. The male is black and the female is gray.

The species gives a characteristic loud liquid oriole-like “teooo” contact call and other musical whistles and warbles. Click here to listen to the Red-winged starling sounds.

They thrive in mountainous and coastal terrains where they can foliage on a wide range of foods. Even though they prefer rocky outcrops and gorges, they have adapted to buildings in urban areas and tend to avoid forests.

As cavity nesters, they use ducts and vents to build nests and raise their young. This flexible nature helps them thrive on farms, in cities, and in suburbs.

In the summer months, pairs of starlings return to the nesting areas and prepare for the breeding season ahead. They are territorial and are very social so it is quite common for them to nest in close proximity to other nests.

Their nests are constructed high up above ground level, using twigs, veld, and feathers, which can look quite messy. The young are fed and raised by both parents and eventually fly from the nest.

The young are fed on a high protein diet consisting of worms and insects and once fully-fledged they become fruitarians, feasting on seeds and berries.

The winter murmurations are quite exquisite to watch, as they move across the skyline in flocks, teaching their young to fly, feed, and ward off predators, such as Falcons.

The red-winged is charming in nature and a highly intelligent species. These gentle and humble characters are quite adorable and very respectful.

They can often be mistaken for the European Starling, which is considered a pest amongst farmers and homeowners. However, they play an integral role in our ecosystem and should be protected and not harmed, as it is illegal.

Images by: Lynette Mullins

In part 2 discover how to humanely manage the Red-winged Starlings.