Golden-breasted starling
Physical features
These birds are 9-11 inches long. Males and females look alike.
They are named for the yellow coloration of their breast, belly, and upper tail. This is the only bird in the Passerine order that has yellow coloration.
They have longer tails than many other species of starlings.
The fairly long bill of the gold-breasted starling may be rapidly flicked to open termite tunnels for feeding.
Diet: Carnivore
Wild – Primarily insects, although snails, crabs, spiders, and small vertebrates may also be taken; This makes golden-breasted starlings unique since most species of starlings eat fruit as well as insects.
Zoo – Insects, fruit, and softbill diet (a manufactured diet specially formulated for fruit- and insect-eating birds)
Lifespan
Wild – 12 years
Zoo – 20 years
Reproduction
Golden-breasted starlings generally roost in tree cavities, often those which have been abandoned by other birds.
Nests are constructed from straw, leaves, or roots.
A clutch consists of 3 eggs.
Incubation: 14 days
Fledging: 3 weeks
Group members of the parents have been observed helping with the construction of the nest. They’ve also been seen bringing food to the mother while she incubates the eggs, as well as assisting in the feeding of chicks.
Conservation: Least Concern
Major threats: Few at this time
Golden-breasted starlings are considered fairly common and widespread.
Interpretive Information
Golden-breasted starlings generally live in family groups of 3 to 12 individuals. These groups may mix with groups of other species when feeding.
They are relatively vocal, with a variety of whistling and chattering calls. Vocalization is heard most often during flight. Both males and females sing in this species.
References
BirdLife International. (2004). Cosmopsarus regius. Retrieved March 21, 2008, from the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Web site: http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/51900/summ
Honolulu Zoo (2004). Golden-breasted Starling. Retrieved November 10, 2004, from: http://www.honoluluzoo.org/golden-breasted_starling.htm
St. Louis Zoo (2004). Golden-breasted Starling. Retrieved November 10, 2004, from: http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/abouttheanimals/birds/perchingbirds/goldenbreastedstarling.htm
Zimmerman, D. A., Turner, D. A., & Pearson, D. J. (1996). Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania (pp. 633). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Updated March 2008