Rosy Starling

Pastor roseus

© 2025
Share   
0 recent observations

Brief #

A highly distinctive bird with pink body, glossy black head, wings and tail and pale orange legs & bill.

Synonyms #

  • EstorniƱo rosado (Spanish)
  • EstorniƱo rosado (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Rosy Starling is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

Adult rosy starling is highly distinctive, with its pink body, pale orange legs and bill, and glossy black head, wings and tail. Males in the breeding season have elongated head feathers which form a wispy crest that is fluffed and more prominent when the bird gets excited. In winter, the crest is shorter, and the edges of black feathers within the plumage become paler as the edges of these feather erode. Winter plumage in males is comparatively dull. Females in contrast have a short crest and lack the sharp separation between pink and black. Juveniles can be distinguished from common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) by its obviously paler plumage and short yellow bill.

Measurements #

Length: 19 - 22 cm
Wingspan: 35 - 40 cm
Weight: 60 - 90 g

Similar species #