White-shouldered starling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White-shouldered starling |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sturnia
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| Species: |
sinensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Sturnus sinensis |
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The white-shouldered starling (Sturnia sinensis) is a type of bird in the starling family. These birds live and have their babies in southern China and northern Vietnam. When winter comes, they fly to warmer places in Southeast Asia.
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Meet the White-Shouldered Starling
White-shouldered starlings are known for their bright blue eyes. They have a grey beak and a special white patch on their shoulders.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult male starlings have a light brown head and chest. Their belly is white. Female starlings are a bit darker. They have brown feathers on their back and belly. These birds often fly around in large groups.
What's in a Name?
The white-shouldered starling was first officially described in 1788. A German scientist named Johann Friedrich Gmelin gave it its scientific name. The name sinensis means "Chinese" in Latin. This is because the bird was first found in China.
Scientists sometimes change how birds are grouped. This happens when they learn new things, like by studying a bird's DNA. The white-shouldered starling used to be in the Sturnus group. But now, it's part of the Sturnia group.
Where Do They Live?
You can find white-shouldered starlings in many Asian countries. These include China, Vietnam, and even places like Japan and the Philippines. They are also known by other names. Some people call them the gray-backed myna or the Chinese starling.
How Are They Doing?
The white-shouldered starling is doing well. Its conservation status is "Least Concern". This means there are lots of them, and they are not in danger of disappearing.
