Cape Starling
Lamprotornis nitens
Woodland and suburbia. Glossy blue-green; head bluer; yellow eyes.
Starlings
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common, near-endemic resident. Differs from [Greater Blue-eared Starling] and [Miombo Blue-eared Starling] in lack of dark ear-patch, underparts uniformly blue-green. In poor light appears blue overall, even blackish; in good light is peacock-blue or green. Immature is drabber with much dull, blackish feathering. Song is a pleasant ‘trrr-treer-treer-cheer…’. By far the most common glossy starling in the region. Pairs or flocks occur in thornveld, mixed woodland and suburbia. Particularly common at camps in the southern Kruger National Park in winter. Also in arid western regions, extending into the Namib Desert within riverine bush.
Quick Facts
Size
23-25 cm - M
Names
A: Kleinglansspreeu
Z: iKhwezi
Ss: Lehodi-Pilwane
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
Pairs or 'flocks' occur in thornveld, mixed woodland and suburbia.
