Rhabdornis, Starlings, and Mynas
Socotra Starling
Onychognathus frater
- Family
- Rhabdornis, Starlings, and Mynas (Sturnidae)
- Order
- Passeriformes
Overview
The Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater) is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is endemic to Socotra island, which is off the southeast coast of Yemen.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, and rural gardens.
The Socotra starling builds its nests in the hollow branches of Socotra's dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari).
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Rocky hills of Socotra Island (off northeastern Somalia).
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Socotra starling
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
