How to identify the Red-billed Starling

To correctly identify the Red-billed Starling (Onychognathus taboranus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

25-28 cm

Wingspan

40-45 cm

Weight

80-110 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults are predominantly glossy black with a metallic sheen, particularly on the head and upperparts. The most striking feature is the rufous-chestnut patch on the outer webs of the primary flight feathers, which is highly visible in flight and as a rufous panel on the folded wing. The underparts are also glossy black.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Conical and relatively stout, bright coral-red to orange-red in color. The culmen is slightly decurved.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of glossy black plumage, bright red bill, and prominent rufous wing patches (especially in flight) are diagnostic. Its tail is relatively long and graduated.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller black overall, lacking the strong gloss of adults. Their bill is dark (blackish or dusky) and gradually acquires the adult red coloration. The rufous wing patch is present but may be less vibrant.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes are observed in adults.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage. Females may have a slightly duller red bill and sometimes a less intense gloss to their plumage, but these differences are subtle and not always reliable for field identification.

Key field marks

• Bill Color. Look for the distinctive bright coral-red to orange-red bill. This is the most immediate and reliable field mark for adults.
• Plumage and Gloss. Observe the overall glossy black plumage. The metallic sheen is evident in good light.
• Wing Patch. In flight, or when perched with wings slightly open, look for the prominent rufous-chestnut patch on the primary flight feathers. This creates a striking contrast with the black plumage.
• Tail Length. Note the relatively long, graduated tail, which is characteristic of Onychognathus starlings.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its varied and melodious song, or its harsh 'churr' calls. Vocalizations can often help confirm identification.

Explore the Red-billed Starling