Image via Macaulay Library
Magpie Starling
- Scientific name
- Speculipastor bicolor
- Family
- Sturnidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Urban suburban
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Graduated
Where it came from
The Magpie Starling, or Speculipastor bicolor, is a distinctive bird species endemic to the arid regions of East Africa, primarily inhabiting parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. It was first formally described by the German ornithologist Anton Reichenow in 1879. The species is defined by its striking pied plumage, which draws visual parallels to the common magpie, and its behavioral adaptation to the semi-desert bushland environments that define its native range.
The physical morphology of the Magpie Starling is characterized by its aerodynamic pointed wings and a distinctively graduated tail, adaptations that support its agile flight patterns. Taxonomically, it stands apart from other starlings due to these specific structural traits and its specialized habitat requirements. While it remains a subject of ongoing study for field ornithologists, its design—shaped by evolutionary pressures—serves as a testament to the specialized diversification within the Sturnidae family.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Magpie Starling
Magpie Starling is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Magpie Starling on collecto.rs?
Magpie Starling doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Magpie Starling?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Magpie Starling catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Magpie Starling is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
