Violet-backed Starling

The Violet-backed Starling is a small, strongly dimorphic starling found across sub-Saharan Africa. Males are among the most striking starlings on the continent, with head, back, and breast washed in an iridescent amethyst-violet that can appear almost metallic pink or purple depending on the light, sharply set off by a clean white belly.

Females look entirely different: brown above with heavy dark streaking, and white below with brown streaks, resembling a large, streaky thrush more than a starling.

Key field marks

• Small, compact starling with a short tail
• Adult male: iridescent violet-purple head, back and throat contrasting with a bright white belly
• Adult female: brown and heavily streaked above and below, unlike any other starling in range
• Juveniles resemble females

Similar species

No other African starling shows the male's violet-and-white pattern, making adult males unmistakable. Females can be confused with thrushes or other streaked brown birds, but the compact starling shape and typically arboreal, fruit-eating habits help distinguish them.

Habitat and range

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa, generally avoiding dense rainforest and arid deserts. It favors broadleaf woodland, savanna edges, riverine growth, and clearings with scattered fruiting trees.

Migration

Some populations are resident while others are partial migrants or nomadic, moving seasonally in response to fruiting trees and rainfall patterns.

Behavior

Violet-backed Starlings are usually seen alone, in pairs, or small family groups, often perched high in trees. They can gather in larger numbers at abundant fruiting trees.

Voice

The song is a soft, warbling series of whistles and chattering notes, quieter and less harsh than many other starlings.

Feeding

They feed mainly on fruit and berries taken in the canopy, supplemented with insects caught by sallying from a perch.

Nesting and breeding

Pairs nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, lining the cavity with leaves and other soft material. Clutches typically contain 2–4 eggs.