BIRD FAMILY
Starlings

Pied Starling
Lamprotornis bicolor

A: Witgatspreeu
Ss: lehodi-phatshwa
X: iqiyogiyo
Z: iingwangwa, ikhwikhwi

SIZE
25-27 cm (M)

HABITAT
Occurs in flocks in grassveld and Karoo, where colonies breed in burrows in dry dongas and riverbeds. A common roadside bird in many regions.

SPECIES 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.