Description
The Rosy Starling has a predominantly light pink body, while its head, wings, and tail are glossy black. This species is known for its gregarious nature; individuals are often observed in large flocks during migration. It feeds mainly on insects, fruit, and seeds. The species is migratory and moves to warmer climates during the winter. It prefers open, semi-arid habitats during the nesting season, building nests in natural or artificial cavities. The breeding season begins in the spring and can continue into the summer.
The Situation in Italian-Speaking Switzerland
In Italian-speaking Switzerland, the Rose-colored Starling is an occasional and irregular migrant. Invasions of the Rose-colored Starling are irregular events linked to sharp population explosions in their areas of origin, often in response to large insect outbreaks. In recent years, the species has also appeared suddenly in Western Europe, sometimes in large flocks. In recent years, sightings have been more frequent in agricultural areas and open meadows, where it finds an abundance of food, such as cherries.
- Pastor roseus
- Étourneau roselin
- Rosenstar
- Storno rosa
- Rosy Starling
- 20 cm
- 30–35 cm
