White-tailed Starling -- PCS

[Richard Thomas]

No, not a new species, but quite a striking bird -- most of whose tail appears to be white. I first saw it a few weeks ago in the fields behind the barachois at Biscay Bay. Over the last couple of days it's been with the Portugal Cove South Starling flock in the Church Road - O'Leary's Loop area. Unsurprisingly, the white tail feathers are more visible in flight. I can't recall seeing a Starling with any white feathering before, but perhaps others have.
RT

[Darroch Whitaker]

There's been a starling with a pure white tail in Norris Point for the past couple years now too. Quite sporty looking compared to the base-model starling.

Darroch

[Richard Thomas]

On Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 12:33:17 PM UTC-3:30, Darroch Whitaker wrote:
> There's been a starling with a pure white tail in Norris Point for the past couple years now too. Quite sporty looking compared to the base-model starling.
>
> Darroch

Darroch, it's interesting that 'your' Starling has survived for a couple of years. I imagined that a white tail would be the equivalent of a "predate me" sign hung around its neck. If they're of the opposite sex it's a pity we can't get them together -- incipient speciation?
Richard.

[Richard Thomas]

I hadn't seen the PCS white-tailed Starling for over a month. However, yesterday afternoon on my way to Renews, I noticed it (within a flock of ca. 20) by the horse paddock in Cappahayden.
RT