Purple Glossy Starling

Adults have striking iridescent purple head and upperparts, with glossy deep blue-violet wings and tail. The underparts are purplish-blue. A distinct black mask surrounds the brilliant yellow-orange eye. Juveniles are duller and browner with dark grey underparts and dark eyes.

Brilliant iridescent purple body, dark wings, contrasting stark yellow-orange eyes, and a black facial mask.

Length: 24-25 cm, Weight: 85-115 g

A complex and varied mixture of squeaks, rattles, harsh scolding notes, and musical whistles.

Omnivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, seeds, nectar, and a wide variety of insects, foraging both in trees and on the ground.

Open woodlands, savannahs, forest edges, cultivated lands, and suburban parks.

Resident, with some local nomadic movements following food availability.

Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Lays a clutch of 2 to 4 pale blue eggs with reddish markings, incubated primarily by the female.

Greater Blue-eared Starling and Lesser Blue-eared Starling, which can be distinguished by their predominantly blue or greenish-blue glossy plumage rather than rich purple.

Acts as an important seed disperser for various trees and shrubs, and helps control insect populations.

Least Concern, with a stable population trend.

Look for them in open woodlands, savannahs, and cultivated areas, often congregating in noisy flocks near fruiting trees or watering holes.

Starlings like the Purple Glossy Starling possess complex vocalizations and can sometimes mimic other bird calls or ambient sounds.