Starling, Shanghai (1 Viewer)

[Hainan on the fly]

I was taking a closer look at some pictures of a flock of white-cheeked starling and noticed one individual that I thought might be a red-billed starling. The center bird in the second picture seems to have a much lighter body and paler head than the bird (I'm assuming WCS) in the lower left hand corner of the same picture (second picture). The paler appearing bird does appear to be in more direct light and seems to have more contrast between the crown and cheek than I would expect in RBS but I don't have much experience with either species and am curious to hear other opinions.

Thanks,

Brian

 

[earlytorise]

These pictures are a bit blurry but I suspect that the bird in question is just a White-cheeked. As you have suggested, lighting can account for what you see in the second photo.

 

[johnallcock]

I agree it's White-cheeked. Probably a female, which are paler below than males (brownish rather than blackish-grey) and have variable white on the head that can be quite extensive.
Compare: White-cheeked Starling Macaulay Library ML388445571

 

[Hainan on the fly]

These pictures are a bit blurry but I suspect that the bird in question is just a White-cheeked. As you have suggested, lighting can account for what you see in the second photo.

Thanks mate!

 

[Hainan on the fly]

I agree it's White-cheeked. Probably a female, which are paler below than males (brownish rather than blackish-grey) and have variable white on the head that can be quite extensive.
Compare: White-cheeked Starling Macaulay Library ML388445571

Excellent. Thanks John! Description and link for comparison are much appreciated!