White-faced starling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White-faced starling |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sturnornis
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| Species: |
albofrontatus
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| Synonyms | |
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Sturnus albofrontatus |
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The white-faced starling (Sturnornis albofrontatus) is a cool bird. It belongs to the starling family. This bird lives only in Sri Lanka, which means it is endemic to that island. It also breeds there, making it a resident.
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About the White-faced Starling
The white-faced starling is a special bird. It was first officially described in 1854. An English scientist named Edgar Leopold Layard gave it its first scientific name.
How Scientists Name Birds
Scientists use special names for animals. This helps everyone know exactly which animal they are talking about. The white-faced starling's scientific name is Sturnornis albofrontatus.
For a while, this bird was thought to be in a different group. But in 2008, new studies helped scientists learn more. They found a better way to group these birds. So, the white-faced starling got its current group name, Sturnornis. This group was first named in 1879 by William Vincent Legge.
What Does It Look Like?
The white-faced starling is about 22 centimeters (about 8.5 inches) long. That's about the length of a standard ruler!
Colors and Features
Its top feathers are dark grey. They have a shiny green look, like polished metal. Its belly and chest are whitish. The bird's head is even lighter than its underparts.
Both male and female white-faced starlings look very similar. Young birds, called juveniles, are a bit duller. They have brown on their backs and greyer feathers underneath.
Where Do They Live?
These birds like tall forests. You can usually find them high up in the trees. They often stay in the very top parts of the forest, called the canopy.
Nesting and Eggs
The white-faced starling builds its nest inside a hole. This could be a hole in a tree. A mother starling usually lays two eggs at a time.
What Do They Eat?
Like most starlings, these birds eat many different things. They enjoy fruits and sweet nectar from flowers. They also like to eat insects. This mix of food helps them stay healthy.
