Lamprotornis shelleyi
Shelley's Starling (Lamprotornis shelleyi) is a striking passerine bird native to the arid and semi-arid regions of East Africa, renowned for its dazzling iridescent plumage. Measuring approximately 16-17 cm (6.3-6.7 inches) in length, this species is immediately recognizable by its brilliant glossy blue-green head, back, wings, and tail, which contrast sharply with its rich rufous-chestnut belly and undertail coverts. A key diagnostic field mark is its vivid bright red eyes, set against the ...
Inhabits arid and semi-arid acacia-commiphora bushland, open woodlands, and thorny scrub, typically found at elevations between 300 and 1800 meters.
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on a variety of insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and ants, supplemented by fruits and berries from native trees and shrubs.
Shelley's Starlings are diurnal birds, actively foraging during the day and often forming communal roosts at night, sometimes with other starling species. They are primarily ground foragers, meticulously searching for insects among leaf litter and sparse vegetation, but also glean fruits and inse...
Shelley's Starling is endemic to the Horn of Africa and adjacent East African territories, with its primary breeding and resident range encompassing southern and eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and northeast Tanzania. While largely resident, local movements occur in response to rainfall...
Least Concern
- Its vivid red eyes are a striking diagnostic feature, making it easily distinguishable from other glossy starlings in its range. - Despite its dazzling iridescence, Shelley's Starling is relatively small for a glossy starling, measuring only about 16-17 cm. - It frequently forages on the ground...