Violet-backed Starling
Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Broad- leaved woodland. Its iridescent upperparts appear purple or coppery; white below.
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Fairly common summer resident. Male unmistakable; female differs from spotted thrushes in stockier build, shorter bill with yellow gape, yellow eyes and lack of black markings on ear coverts. Immature like female; eyes darker. The call is a short series of pleasant, slurred notes. Arboreal and frugivorous; occurs in broad-leaved woodland. In pairs when breeding, otherwise in nomadic flocks of mostly one sex. Resident in the extreme northwest.
Quick Facts
Size
18-19 cm - S
Names
A: Witborsspreeu
Z: ikhwezelimacwebi
Ss: Lehodi-Kokotlopherese
G: Amethystglanzstar
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
Arboreal and frugivorous; occurs in 'broad-leaved woodland'.
