Re: [KENYABIRDSNET] Magpie Starling in Laikipia

Hi Jamie,

I have 2 records of Magpie Starling (a few birds) and 1 record of Golden-breasted Starling (1 bird) over the past 6 years at Lolldaiga Hills Ranch...at ca. 1750 m asl near water in acacia bushland (A. mellifera et al. ).

Similarly, only 1 record of Magpie Starling and, seasonally, a few records of Golden-breasted Starling on the Ewaso N'yiro River at Soita Nyiro Conservancy (ca. 1600 m asl. Acacia bushland (A. mellifera et al.).

I do not recall seeing Fischer's Starling anywhere in Laikipia.

I would guess that these species are coming into the lower, drier, parts of Laikipia from the north (i.e., Isiolo and Samburu Districts).

Cheers, Tom

Thomas M. Butynski, PhD

Hi Jamie,

Nice sighting and great photo. I have never seen one in Laikipia and yours is the first time I have heard of it there. No doubt though the climate is changing so I guess seeing these species in Laikipia is gradually becoming a new norm. I have only seen the species in Ileret.

Cheers, Darcy

Darcy Ogada

Assistant Director of Africa Programs
+254-722-339366
P.O. Box 1629-00606

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Nairobi

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Kenya

The Coexistence Co-Op

On Wed, Nov 21, 2018 at 10:18 AM James Christian karisiasafaris@gmail.com [kenyabirdsnet] <kenyabirdsnet-noreply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

I had a Magpie Starling at our bird bath in Laikipia. We have seen this species only a few times before on Tumaren but run into them at lower altitudes not far to our east. I wonder if they have been seen in many other places in Laikipia. Mpala ?

With regards to other hot country starlings we consistently each year we get for a short period, Golden-breasted Starlings and Fischers Starling flocks. They typically arrive when it is very dry.

Cheers, Jamie

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James Christian
Karisia Walking Safaris

P.O Box 1716 - 10400,

Nanyuki, Kenya

Tel: +254 721371694
http://www.karisia.com