Here are a few White Cheeked Starlings that I spotted along a pleasant promenade in the Kokyo Gaien National Garden in Tokyo. They’re abundant in that part of Asia, and didn’t seem too bothered by people milling about. They let me get reasonably close before fleeing onwards after briefly breaking into a high-pitched chatter.

According to eBird, males and females are similar in appearance, with the female slightly more dull which leads me to think that the bird in the foreground above is female. Below, a lone forager.

In brief (with assist from WordPress AI but double-checked by me):

• Size: Approximately 24-26 cm (9.4-10.2 in) in length.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on fruits, insects, and seeds.
• Habitat: Prefers open woodlands, urban areas, and scrublands.
• Physical Description: Distinctive white cheeks, dark brown upperparts, and a yellow patch on the nape.
• Breeding: Nesting typically occurs in tree hollows or artificial sites; lays 3-6 eggs per clutch.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern; population stable in many areas.
• Unique Behaviors: Known for mimicking sounds and vocalizations, often social and found in flocks.
• Range and Migration: Native to East Asia, commonly sighted in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Eastern parts of Russia. It is also a winter migrant in Southeast Asia including Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam..

More:

• White Cheeked Starling at Birds of the World
• White Cheeked Starling at BirdLife DataZone
• White Cheeked Starling at eBird
• White Cheeked Starling at Avibase
• White Cheeked Starling at Wikipedia
• White Cheeked Starling at iNaturalist

Photos from 15 September, 2025.