Rose-coloured Starling

Pastor roseus

Very rare & annual migrants with 40-50 per year in Britain from May-November.

Breeds in South Eastern Europe.

Males in the breeding season have elongated head feathers which form a wispy crest that is fluffed and more prominent when the bird gets excited.

In Winter plumage, the body feathers are a comparatively dull greyish-pink, and the bill is also grey.

Females have a shorter crest and lack the sharp separation between pink and black.

 Juveniles are pale buffy brown, and can be distinguished from Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) by its obviously paler plumage and short yellow bill. 

They have a constant cacophony of dry chattering calls.