White-shouldered Starling

Sturnia sinensis

Family: Rhabdornis, Starlings, and Mynas · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 18.5–20.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds in southeastern China and Hong Kong south to northern Vietnam, wintering to Taiwan and mainland Southeast Asia.

Identification

Male has mostly grey plumage with black wings and tail contrasting with a large white shoulder patch formed by the upperwing-coverts and scapulars; also has whiter rump and uppertail-coverts, mostly bluish-grey bill, and white iris. White shoulder patch is smaller in females and absent in juveniles.

Habitat

Coastal habitats and open areas with scattered trees.

Behaviour

Gregarious. Attracted to small-fruited, mass-cropping banyan figs; also forages in crowns of casuarinas.