Lamprotornis iris
The Emerald Starling, Lamprotornis iris, is a dazzling gem of West African forests, renowned for its intense, iridescent emerald-green plumage that shimmers with hints of bronze and purple in direct sunlight. This relatively small starling measures approximately 19 cm (7.5 inches) in length and weighs between 50-60 grams, featuring a compact body and a notably short tail. A striking feature for identification is its bright yellowish-orange eye, which contrasts beautifully with its glossy gree...
Primarily inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, often found at forest edges, in heavily degraded former forest areas, and within plantations.
Their diet primarily consists of insects, including beetles, ants, and termites, supplemented significantly by fruits, berries, and seeds. They forage actively in trees and on the ground.
Emerald Starlings are generally social birds, frequently observed foraging in small, active flocks or in pairs, though they can also be found alone. Their daily routine involves vigorous foraging both in the upper canopy and among the undergrowth, where they meticulously glean insects from leaves...
The Emerald Starling is endemic to a restricted band of West Africa, primarily found in the Upper Guinea forests. Its breeding and year-round range extends from Sierra Leone and Guinea, through Liberia, and into the western regions of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) and Ghana. This species is non-mig...
Least Concern
- The Emerald Starling's dazzling green plumage is not due to pigments, but rather structural coloration, where microscopic structures in the feathers reflect light in a way that produces the iridescent emerald hue. - Unlike many starlings, the Emerald Starling has a relatively short tail, making...