The red-winged starling (Onychognathus morio) is native to eastern Africa from Ethiopia to the Cape in South Africa. Fond of bright-coloured fruits, it may be very aggressive in nest-defence, even attacking humans. The male has glossy black plumage with dark blue sheen overall, except on the wings where the primary flight feathers are bright chestnut with narrow blackish tips. On folded wings, only a rufous patch is visible. The rather long, pointed tail is black. The strong bill is black. The eyes are dark red. Legs and feet are black. The female is very similar in plumage, but she has brownish-grey head, chin, throat and upper breast. The Red-winged Starling’s common call is a plaintive, drawn-out “spreeu”. The contact call is a two notes “twee-twoo”. The alarm call is a harsh “tchorr”. During the nest defence when it attacks intruders, it gives a low “kwok-kwok”.
