Lamprotornis splendidus
The Splendid Starling, Lamprotornis splendidus, is an avian jewel of the African tropics, instantly recognizable by its breathtaking iridescent plumage. Measuring approximately 29-30 cm (11-12 inches) in length and weighing between 128-154 grams (4.5-5.4 oz), this medium-sized starling exhibits an overall brilliant metallic blue-green sheen that shifts to violet-blue and purplish on its underparts, especially the belly. A key field mark is its piercing bright yellow eyes, contrasting sharply ...
Found primarily in moist broadleaf forests, forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. It also adapts to plantations and riparian zones from lowlands up to elevations of around 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for figs, supplemented by a significant intake of insects, including termites and other invertebrates. They also consume some nectar.
Splendid Starlings are highly gregarious and diurnal, often forming large, noisy flocks outside the breeding season that can number in the hundreds or even thousands, especially at communal roosts in tall trees. They forage both in the canopy and on the ground, gleaning insects from foliage and p...
The Splendid Starling is a widespread resident across the forest belt of West and Central Africa. Its distribution extends from Senegal and Gambia in the west, eastward through southern Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Its range continues through the ...
Least Concern
- The Splendid Starling's breathtaking coloration is not due to pigments, but rather to the microscopic structure of its feathers, which diffract and reflect light, creating its metallic iridescence. - These birds are highly social, often gathering in flocks of several hundred to several thousand...