The black-collared starling

A black-collared starling is seen with a worm in its beak at OCT Wetland Park, Nanshan District. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The black-collared starling

The black-collared starling (Gracupica nigricollis) is a compact bird measuring around 20 centimeters in length. A distinctive black collar encircles its neck, contrasting against a predominantly white plumage, giving the bird its name. Its beak is slender and sharp, ideal for capturing prey. Its eyes are dark and expressive, with a distinctive yellow patch around them, adding to its enchanting appeal.

黑领椋鸟是一种体型中等偏小的林鸟，体长约20厘米，颈部具与白色体羽形成鲜明对比的黑色领环，因此得名；喙修长有力，适合捕捉猎物；虹膜深棕色，眼周的黄色裸皮让它们的外表看起来不甚单调。

These active and sociable birds, often found in small or large flocks, are highly vocal, with a repertoire of melodious calls for communication and territorial defense. Theses agile fliers are adept at navigating through trees and bushes to capture their prey midair. They also forage on the ground.

社会性强，以小群为单位活动，也见集大群。擅长使用叫声来交流信息或向同类报警。常在树木和灌丛之间穿梭，捕捉空中的猎物，行动敏捷。也在地面觅食。

A black-collared starling is seen at OCT Wetland Park, Nanshan District. 

These omnivorous birds primarily feed on worms and insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers and caterpillars, helping to control insect populations and benefiting crops and native plant species. They also consume fruits and nectar, contributing to seed dispersal and promoting vegetation growth, providing support for their habitat’s biodiversity.

这些杂食性的鸟类主要以蠕虫和昆虫为食，如甲虫、蚱蜢和毛虫，有助于控制昆虫数量，对农作物和本地植物物种有益。它们还吃水果和花蜜，有助于传播种子，促进植被生长，为其栖息地的生物多样性提供支持。

A black-collared starling is seen at Honghu Park, Luohu District.

During the breeding season, male birds give elaborate courtship displays and sing melodious or, more often, boisterous songs to attract mates. Once a pair forms a bond, they construct a nest where the female lays a clutch of up to five eggs, which both parents take turns incubating. After hatching, the chicks are cared for by both parents until they fledge and become independent.

雄鸟在繁殖季有花哨的求偶行为，发出悦耳的鸣声以吸引伴侣。一旦配对成功，便共筑爱巢，雌鸟每窝产卵可达5枚，卵由雌雄亲鸟轮流孵化后，雏鸟破壳，接下来会由双亲继续共同照料一段时间，直到具备离巢独立生活的能力。

A black-collared starling is seen at Shenzhen Bay Park, Nanshan District.

Their vibrant presence and melodious songs provide our city with a pleasant view and an enriched acoustic landscape, benefiting the area’s ecological balance.

黑领椋鸟在深圳数量众多，它们凭借着独特的长相和叫声成为了城市中一道独特的风景线，维系着这里的生物多样性与生态平衡。