Pied Starling
Lamprotornis bicolor
Karoo, roadsides. Very dark brown with white underbelly and vent; eyes whitish; gape orange.
LC
Endemic
Description
Common endemic resident. A long-legged, dark-brown starling with purple-green iridescence to the plumage and white vent and belly. The pale yellow eye and prominent orange gape are good diagnostic features. Juvenile has a dark eye. Call is a soft ‘squeer’ and similar melancholy whistles. Occurs in flocks in grassveld and Karoo, where colonies breed in burrows in dry dongas and riverbeds. A common roadside bird in many regions.
Quick Facts
Size
25-27 cm - M
Names
A: Witgatspreeu
Z: ingwangwa
Ss: Lehodi-Phatshwa
G: Zweifarbenstar
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 'flocks' in grassveld and 'Karoo', where colonies breed in burrows in dry dongas and riverbeds.
