Black-collared Starling
- Rodrigo
- Mar 15
- 5 min read
The black-collared starling (Gracupica nigricollis) belongs to the order Passeriformes, family Sturnidae, and genus Gracupica. It is a distinctive ornamental pet bird. In the Chinese market it is commonly referred to as the “black-necked myna,” “white-headed starling,” or “spotted myna,” while in international markets it is known as the black-collared starling.
Behavior and Ecology
Like most members of the starling family, black-collared starlings usually live in pairs throughout the year, although they may also gather in small flocks of up to forty individuals. They frequently forage and move about on the ground, and may roost collectively in trees. Individuals living in urban areas often perch on the rooftops of tall buildings, whereas birds inhabiting riverine regions may rest in mangrove forests. Although highly adaptable to human-modified environments, this species remains vigilant and wary; when a suspicious person approaches, the birds rapidly take flight in a swift and direct trajectory.
In terms of vocal behavior, the species is a capable songbird that produces a wide range of sounds, including sharp, harsh, melodious, and discordant notes. These vocalizations include calls resembling the jay-like “kraak kraak,” whistling notes similar to those of bee-eaters (“prrü”), and hesitant “pü-pü-pü-pü” calls reminiscent of those of the collared finchbill, among many other communicative sounds.
Two courtship displays have been documented. In one display, the pair faces each other while raising their feathers and opening their bills. In the other, both birds droop their wings and bow their heads. During the courtship period they pursue one another, both on the ground and in flight. After pairing, the mates engage in mutual preening, a social behavior in which partners groom each other's feathers.
Morphology
Members of the genus Gracupica are medium-sized birds, with a body length of approximately 28 cm.
Males and females share the same plumage pattern. The head is white, and a small patch of bright yellow bare skin surrounds the eye, extending posteriorly in an arrow-shaped mark. The chest and neck are black, forming a broad black collar encircling the neck. The back is dark brown, and the wing coverts display white spots. The tail is dark brown to black, with white tips; the outer tail feathers show progressively broader white margins. The abdomen and undertail coverts are white. Juveniles differ from adults in having a pale brown head and neck, a brown back, and no black collar. The iris is dark brown, the bill is black, and the legs are yellowish gray.
Native Range and Habitat
The black-collared starling is widely distributed across southern China, from Fujian to Yunnan, and southward into Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. It prefers open lowland environments such as bare plains, grasslands, agricultural land, riverbanks, urban parks, and grassy medians along major roads.
Breeding has been recorded in the wild in Taiwan, most likely involving escaped individuals. Observations have been reported from Kaohsiung, Chiayi City, Taipei, New Taipei City, Tainan, and Yilan.
Housing Requirements in Captivity
Black-collared starlings are naturally curious and active birds. Therefore, when selecting a cage, it is recommended that the minimum dimensions be 40 × 30 × 30 cm (length × width × height). Suitable materials include bamboo, wood, or stainless steel. Bamboo or wooden cages help simulate a more natural environment and may reduce stress responses, whereas stainless steel cages are easier to clean. Owners may choose according to their needs.
Inside the cage, it is advisable to provide perches, a feeding area, sheltered spaces, enrichment toys, and bedding material. Perches can be made of apple wood or willow wood, with two to three perches of varying diameters (1–3 cm). The highest perch should be placed about 10–15 cm below the cage roof, while the lowest should be approximately 20 cm above the cage floor, with 15–20 cm spacing between perches to prevent collisions during flight.
For shelter, a small bird nest or a cardboard box can be placed in the cage to create a hiding space. The structure should measure at least 15 × 15 × 15 cm and should preferably be positioned in a corner of the cage at a height of 15–20 cm above the floor, providing the bird with a sense of security.
The feeding area should include a dedicated water dispenser and food dishes. A spill-proof water dispenser is recommended. Food bowls should be separate containers for fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein sources, placed in a corner of the cage 10–15 cm away from the perch for convenient access.
Enrichment toys should be made from durable materials that allow the bird to chew and maintain healthy beak condition. Suitable materials include wood and rubber. Examples include hard branches with a diameter of 3–5 cm and length of 10–15 cm, or rubber balls 5–8 cm in diameter. Small bell toys can also be used to reduce boredom-induced stereotypic behavior. Toys should be placed 20–30 cm away from the perches to provide sufficient space for activity and play.
For bedding, newspaper or non-toxic wood shavings (free of additives such as formaldehyde) may be used. Newspaper should be laid in 1–2 layers, while wood shavings should be spread to a thickness of 2–3 cm. The bedding should be replaced regularly to maintain cage hygiene.
Black-collared starlings are omnivorous. In the wild they primarily feed on ground-dwelling insects, earthworms, snails, grass seeds, grains, and fruits. They typically forage while walking on the ground, though they occasionally pick fruits from trees. Suitable foods can be broadly divided into four categories: grains, protein sources, fruits and vegetables, and formulated feed. Grain foods such as rice, millet, and corn provide energy. Protein sources include mealworms and crickets.
Feeding is recommended two to three times per day, with each meal providing approximately 5–10% of the bird's body weight. Grains and formulated feed should form the staple diet, supplemented with protein sources and fruits or vegetables to maintain balanced nutrition.
Because starlings have relatively short intestines and absorb fats inefficiently, fatty foods should be avoided. High-oil foods such as nuts should be limited to less than 5% of the diet.
Breeding Conditions
As this species is considered an invasive species in Taiwan, breeding black-collared starlings should generally not be conducted privately (except in Kinmen and the Matsu Islands). In natural environments, the birds typically nest in tree cavities, rock crevices, or abandoned nests of other birds. In introduced areas, they often construct nests inside streetlights, culverts, or cavities in utility poles. Nest materials include twigs, roots, coarse fibers, and various forms of debris.
The breeding season generally occurs between April and August, during which both parents participate in incubation by alternating shifts.
Preventing Invasive Spread
The black-collared starling is highly adaptable, and abandoned captive birds can easily establish feral populations, posing a threat to local ecosystems. They may compete with native bird species for food resources, particularly species occupying similar ecological niches such as sparrows. In Taiwan, this species was officially designated as a restricted import species in 2022.
Therefore, bird owners must adhere strictly to the principles of not abandoning and not releasing captive birds. Under no circumstances should black-collared starlings be released into the wild. If an owner can no longer care for the bird, it should be transferred to another responsible keeper instead.
Author: Rodrigo
References:
范孟雯、徐瑋婷、蔡明剛、魏心怡、柯智仁、林瑞興、蔡世鵬、方偉宏、李培芬。（2018-2019） 。臺灣繁殖鳥類大調查。行政院農業委員會特有生物研究保育中心。
BirdLife International (2016). "Gracupica nigricollis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T22710903A94266268. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22710903A94266268.en
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