Stuhlmann's Starling
Poeoptera stuhlmanni
Small, slim dark starling. The eyes are brown, and females show large chestnut patches in the wings in flight. Found in the canopy of montane forest, usually in small flocks; often perches out conspicuously on dead snags and other open perches. Vocalizations include simple whistles and squeaky, peevish-sounding notes. Similar to Waller’s Starling, but smaller and slimmer, with brown rather than red eyes, and only females have reddish wing patches.
Identification
Stuhlmann's starling (Poeoptera stuhlmanni) is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is native to the Albertine rift montane forests, the East African montane forests, the Imatong Mountains and the southwestern Ethiopian montane forests. Their length is usually around 19 cm, and they feed on seed, grain, arthropods and larvae. Fruits of the genus Ficus are also notable inclusions in their diet.
Taxonomy
Genus: Poeoptera; Family: Sturnidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Poeoptera stuhlmanni
- Authority
- (Reichenow, 1893)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sturnidae
- Genus
- Poeoptera
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Everett's Scops-Owl
Otus everetti
A fairly small owl of lowland and foothill forest. Dark brown on the back with barred wing feathers, grayish underparts, a darker chest with black markings, a pale gray facial disk bordered with a black line, and pale ear tufts forming a V. Occurs together with Giant and Mindanao Scops-Owls, but Everett’s is much smaller than Giant and slightly larger and paler than Mindanao, with longer ear tufts. Voice includes a descending series ending in a growl, “oowok! oowok! oowok! grrrr.”
Philadelphia Vireo
Vireo philadelphicus
Small, short-tailed, most similar to Warbling Vireo, but brighter: look for yellow wash on underparts, brightest on throat and undertail, and dark line through the eye that connects to base of bill. Dull individuals can be very difficult to distinguish from Warbling Vireo, but Warbling usually brightest yellow on flanks, not throat. Similar to Red-eyed Vireo but with shorter bill and yellower below. Breeds in deciduous forests, especially areas with younger trees including birches or aspens. Migrates through a variety of wooded and brushy habitats; winters in Central America. Song nearly identical to Red-eyed Vireo. Feeds on insects; especially caterpillars.
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis
Dacnis venusta
Small and striking tanager with very sharp bill. Male superficially similar to Blue Dacnis but most of body black; head, back, and shoulder electric turquoise-blue. Red eye. Scarlet “thighs” inconspicuous and difficult to see in the field. Female less obvious than male; note turquoise face contrasting with buffy belly. Usually stays in the canopy of forest edges; pairs often follow mixed feeding flocks.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.