Lamprotornis mevesii
The Meves's Starling, *Lamprotornis mevesii*, is a striking member of the Sturnidae family, immediately recognizable by its exceptionally long, graduated, and often shaggy-looking tail, which can comprise up to half its total length of 30-34 cm. Its plumage shimmers with deep metallic purplish-blue to violet iridescence across the head, back, wings, and breast, contrasting with a blackish belly and jet-black bill and legs. A distinctive feature, adding to its allure, is its bright, piercing o...
Found in arid and semi-arid woodlands, particularly Mopane and Acacia savannas, and riverine forests, typically at low elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, termites, grasshoppers, and ants, supplemented with various fruits, berries, and nectar.
Meves's Starlings are highly gregarious birds, often foraging in noisy groups on the ground and roosting communally in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Their foraging strategy involves walking and hopping to pick up insects, grubs, and fallen fruit. During the breeding season...
The Meves's Starling is endemic to Southern Africa, with its primary breeding range extending from southern Angola and northern Namibia eastward through northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, into southern Zambia, southern Malawi, and central Mozambique. This species is largely resident throughout its dist...
Least Concern
- The Meves's Starling's tail can be almost as long as its body, giving it a unique, elongated silhouette in flight. - Unlike many starling species, Meves's Starlings are cooperative breeders, meaning that non-breeding adults often assist breeding pairs in raising their young. - Their stunning ir...