non-breeding male or female; yellow behind eye (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Wattled Starling
Creatophora cinerea

Native Range: Africa

Notes: this species gets its name from the fact that each male develops a large black wattle (i.e., fleshy protuberance) on its head during the breeding season; when breeding, males also become much paler (indeed, bright white) in plumage; when not breeding, a nomadic species that often occurs in flocks in open grasslands.

dorsal view; grey body; black wings and tail (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
ventral view; pale grey underparts (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

pair in non-breeding plumage (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
flock in non-breeding plumage (South Africa; 2007-06-30)