Long-tailed Glossy Starling

Lamprotornis caudatus

Range & Recent Observations

Last Spotted Near You

About the Long-tailed Glossy Starling

The long-tailed glossy starling (Lamprotornis caudatus) is a member of the starling family of birds. It is a resident breeder in tropical Africa from Senegal east to Sudan. This common passerine is typically found in open woodland and cultivation. The long-tailed glossy starling builds a nest in a hole. The normal clutch is two to four eggs. This ubiquitous bird is gregarious and noisy, with a harsh grating call. The adults of these 54 cm (21 in) long birds have metallic green upperparts, violet underparts and a 34 cm (13 in) long purple tail. The face is black with a yellow eye. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller, with a brownish tone to the plumage. Like most starlings, the long-tailed glossy starling is an omnivore, eating fruit and insects.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Lamprotornis caudatus
Family: Starlings
Order: Passeriformes

Similar species

Other members of the starlings family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

Know when the Long-tailed Glossy Starling turns up near you

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