White-cheeked Starling

Overview

The white-cheeked starling (Spodiopsar cineraceus) is a passerine bird native to eastern Asia. It is a common and well-known species throughout its range, which includes China, Korea, Japan, and parts of Siberia.

Identification

• 24 cm in length with predominantly dark grey-brown plumage, a blackish head, and whitish cheeks and forehead.
• Pale orange legs and an orange bill with a black tip; adult females appear paler and duller than males.
• Loud, monotonous call consisting of harsh, creaking notes.

Habitat

Breeding in central and north-east China, Korea, Japan, and south-east Siberia, the species migrates south to southern and eastern China, South Korea, southern Japan, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam in winter. It inhabits woodland, farmland, open country, and urban parks or gardens, preferring lowland areas usually below 700 m in Japan.

Diet

The species has a varied diet that includes fruit and insects such as mole crickets.

Did you know?

A single vagrant was recorded in Homer, Alaska in 1998, which probably arrived with a ship.