So Cute Black-Collared Starling Bird
The Black-collared Starling: A Bold Voice in the Asian Landscape
In the bustling landscapes of Southeast Asia, where the calls of birds are as diverse as the cultures they accompany, the Black-collared Starling stands out—not just for its vocal prowess, but for its striking appearance and adaptive nature. This charismatic bird is a favorite among birdwatchers and researchers alike, known for its loud calls, distinctive markings, and social behavior.
A Striking Appearance
The Black-collared Starling is easily recognized by its bold plumage. Its body is primarily white and grey, adorned with glossy black feathers on the head and neck, forming the “collar” from which it gets its name. A vivid yellow patch of bare skin surrounds its eyes, enhancing its expressive look. Its wings are black with white patches, making it quite visible in flight. Measuring around 26–29 cm in length, it is relatively large for a starling, with a strong and slightly curved bill and robust legs built for perching and walking.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
Native to parts of China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, the Black-collared Starling thrives in a variety of open habitats. You’ll find it in farmlands, grasslands, village outskirts, parks, and even bustling cities. It prefers open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, steering clear of dense forests.
This adaptability has allowed it to expand its range, and in some places, it has been introduced as part of ornamental bird collections, which may have contributed to its presence in non-native regions. Its ability to live alongside humans, much like urban-dwelling pigeons or crows, demonstrates its ecological flexibility.
Vocal and Social Behavior
If you’ve ever walked through an Asian town and heard a loud, harsh cackling or chattering from above, you may have heard a Black-collared Starling. These birds are exceptionally vocal, with a repertoire that includes squeals, whistles, chatters, and croaks. Their calls are often described as raucous and harsh, but they serve an important purpose in social communication and territory defense.
Black-collared Starlings are social birds, often found in small flocks, especially outside of the breeding season. They engage in cooperative activities such as foraging, roosting, and even mobbing potential predators like snakes and large birds.
| Device | cannon eos 700D |
|---|---|
| Lens | 55-250 zoom leans |
| Location | Bangladesh |
