Miombo Blue-eared Starling
Lamprotornis elisabeth
Miombo woodland. Glossy blue-green; flanks purple; eyes yellow.
Starlings
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. Smaller than [Greater Blue-eared Starling], flanks more magenta, the upper row of wing covert spots usually obscured; otherwise closely similar. Immature with diagnostic chestnut underparts; frequently flockss with adults. The song is a variety of pleasant notes ‘chirp-chirrup-treerroo-chirp-trooo’; on take-off and in flight calls ‘wirri-girri’. Occurs in broad-leaved woodland (especially miombo woodland) and bushveld, usually in flocks when not breeding.
Quick Facts
Size
20 cm - M
Names
A: Klein-blouoorglansspreeu
G: Messingglanzstar
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
Occurs in 'broad-leaved woodland' (especially miombo woodland) and bushveld, usually in flocks when not breeding.
