Rose-coloured Starling
Pastor roseus
The Rose-coloured Starling is a rare but striking visitor to Britain, typically seen during the summer months, particularly in the southern regions. It is a notable sighting in the country, with most records coming from the coastal areas and islands.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Rose-coloured Starling in the field.
The Rose-coloured Starling can be identified by its pale rose-pink plumage, black wings and tail, and a distinctive white wing bar. Its shape and size are also distinctive, with a slender build and a long, pointed tail.
The Rose-coloured Starling is slightly smaller than a Common Starling, but larger than a Blackbird.
The male Rose-coloured Starling has a vibrant rose-pink plumage, with a glossy black wing and tail, and a white wing bar, with the intensity of the pink colouration varying depending on the season and the bird's age.
The female Rose-coloured Starling is similar to the male, although the pink colouration may be slightly less intense, especially outside of the breeding season.
The Rose-coloured Starling's call is a series of sharp, metallic notes, often described as a loud, rattling "tzeek" or "tzik", while its song is a melodic, whistled phrase.
Rose-coloured Starlings are social birds, often feeding on insects and fruits in open fields and grasslands, and flying in flocks with a swift, direct flight style, frequently landing on trees and power lines to rest and forage.
The Rose-coloured Starling can be confused with the Common Starling, but can be distinguished by its overall pink colouration, white wing bar, and lack of spotting or iridescence on its plumage, as well as its more slender build and longer tail.
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