Lamprotornis australis
The Burchell's Starling (Lamprotornis australis) is a magnificent, large passerine bird showcasing the dazzling iridescence characteristic of its genus. Measuring approximately 30-34 cm in length and weighing around 120-140 grams, its plumage is a kaleidoscope of metallic greens, blues, purples, and coppery bronzes, particularly vibrant on its head, upperparts, and breast. A key identification mark is its bright yellow-orange eye, which stands out against the dark, glossy head, and its long, ...
This species primarily inhabits open savanna woodlands, thorny scrubland, and dry acacia bushveld, often favoring areas with scattered trees. They are found at low to moderate elevations, generally below 1,500 meters.
Their diet consists predominantly of insects, especially grasshoppers, beetles, and termites, supplemented with berries and fruits, particularly during the dry season. They are primarily ground-foragers, often following large mammals.
Burchell's Starlings are diurnal birds, actively foraging on the ground during the day and typically gathering in noisy, communal roosts at night, often with other starling species, in tall trees or dense thickets. Their foraging strategy involves walking deliberately across open ground, probing ...
The Burchell's Starling is endemic to Southern Africa, with a continuous breeding and resident range across several countries. Its primary distribution includes Botswana, Namibia, northern South Africa, southern Angola, and southwestern Zimbabwe. While generally non-migratory, some localized move...
Least Concern
- Burchell's Starlings are sometimes called 'Shepherd's Bird' due to their habit of following cattle and other grazing animals to catch insects disturbed by their hooves. - Their iridescent plumage is not due to pigments but microscopic structures within their feathers that refract light, creatin...