• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Taxonomic note
Gracupica contra and G. floweri were previously lumped as G. contra (del Hoyo and Collar 2016), prior to which G. jalla was also included in a species listed as Sturnus contra following Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993). Baveja et al. (2021) present convincing evidence that Gracupica (contra) floweri is sufficiently diverged, genetically and phenotypically, from the apparently parapatric G. c. superciliosus to warrant specific recognition. The newly recognised and monotypic G. floweri is genetically more similar to the widely allopatric G. jalla than it is to the parapatric G. contra. The form floweri more than meets species status in its: pale vs dark iris (3), more white streaking in crown (2), greater extension of postocular red (1), different shape of the white auricular patch, which in superciliaris and contra involves an extended streak bordering the crown, absent in floweri (2), considerably longer wing (males 122.6 vs 112.1) and tail (males 69.7 vs 63.6) n=26 vs 40, effect sizes both well above 2 (= score 2). If the geographic arrangement is genuinely parapatric then that would score another 3. Monotypic.

Taxonomic source(s)
Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International. 2022. Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International digital checklist of the birds of the world. Version 7. Available at: https://datazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/Species/Taxonomy/HBW-BirdLife_Checklist_v7_Dec22.zip.

Population justification: The population size of this species has not been estimated, but it has a very large range wherein it is described as common in Thailand (Treesucon and Limparungpatthanakij 2018) and uncommon in Cambodia (Goes 2014); its status elsewhere is poorly known.

Trend justification: Despite being an adaptable species, and expanding its distribution locally in the south, G. floweri is precautionarily suspected of being in decline. In northern Thailand, the conversion of moist grazing areas to dry croplands and orchards is likely to be causing a decline (per Limparungpatthanakij 2022). Elsewhere, in urban areas, it is thought to be adversely affected competitors like Acridotheres tristis and A. grandis. Nonetheless, the species remains common throughout much of its range (eBird 2022) and any decline is likely to be slow.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Thai Pied Starling Gracupica floweri. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/thai-pied-starling-gracupica-floweri on 28/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 28/11/2024.