MAP 6 : Ashy Starling distribution in the Ruaha Gorge at the eastern limits of its range.

MAP 6 : Ashy Starling distribution in the Ruaha Gorge at the eastern limits of its range.

At an even finer scale the distribution limits become even more interesting. The main road through the Ruaha Gorge drops altitude rather gradually as it proceeds eastwards before turning through the hills towards Mikumi at the point where the river turns south to flow into Kidatu Dam. Before the road reaches this junction, Ashy Starlings drop out of the avifauna. Several visits are required to create a more exact limit than shown here and to establish any seasonality to these limits. In particular more breeding records are required and closer observations of any association with vegetation types, in particular the larger trees. The most easterly record is at an altitude of only 505m, the lowest this bird is known from.