Burchell’s Starling
Lamprotornis australis
Savanna. Iridescent blue and purple, black mask and dark eyes.
Starlings
LC
Near Endemic
Description
Common, near-endemic resident. The largest glossy starling, differing from most others in dark eyes; from [Meves’s Starling] in dark ear-patch, bulky appearance and shorter, rounded tail. Immature duller, brownish below. The call is a squeaky ‘churrik-urr, churrick-urrik-kerr…’. Occurs in pairs, small parties or large flocks in savanna woodland. Feeds on the ground, preferring heavily grazed areas.
Quick Facts
Size
30-34 cm - M
Names
A: Grootglansspreeu
G: Riesenglanzstar, Glanzelstar
Bird Family
A well-known family of frugivorous and insectivorous birds with strong, slightly decurved bills and strong legs. Many species form flocks, especially when roosting. Their calls are mainly various unmusical squeaks and squawks. Several species have adapted to town life and two have been introduced from other countries. Unless otherwise stated, the immatures resemble adults.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
