Cape Starling

The Cape starling, or Lamprotornis nitens, known also as the red-shouldered glossy-starling or Cape glossy starling, is a vibrant member of the starling family Sturnidae. This bird is adorned with a glossy sheen, exhibiting a head of shimmering blue and a body of greenish-blue. It is a medium-sized bird, with adults reaching about 25 cm in length and weighing approximately 100 grams.

Identification Tips

Adult Cape starlings boast a uniform bright, glossy plumage. The head is notably blue with darker ear coverts, while the upper body parts gleam with a greenish-blue hue. Juveniles can be distinguished by their matt plumage and grey eyes, which transition to yellow by around two months of age. By six months, they resemble adults in appearance.

Habitat

The Cape starling is not a bird of dense forests or open pastures but prefers environments where trees suitable for roosting and nesting are available. It thrives in open woodlands, savannahs, bushveld, rough grasslands, and even adapts well to human-altered landscapes such as parks and gardens.

Distribution

This species is native to the southern regions of Africa, with its range extending from the southern parts of Gabon and Angola to South Africa, including countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho. It is a resident bird, meaning it does not typically migrate, and has a vast extent of occurrence estimated at 3,000,000 square kilometers.

Behaviour

The Cape starling is a sociable creature, often seen in large flocks outside the breeding season. It is known to forage on the ground, sometimes in the company of other starling species. The bird is accustomed to human presence and has a varied diet that includes fruit, insects, and nectar.

Song & Calls

This starling has a lengthy, warbling song that may incorporate imitations of sounds from its surroundings, showcasing its vocal versatility.

Breeding

The breeding season primarily spans from October to February, extending into April in regions like Namibia. The Cape starling nests in natural crevices, such as tree holes, and is competitive in securing these sites. It is also known to be parasitized by the greater honeyguide, which lays its eggs in the nests of other birds.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Cape starling is quite eclectic, consisting of fruit, insects, and nectar. It also engages in cleaning activities, picking off ectoparasites from the backs of animals. Occasionally, it may be spotted at bird tables, partaking in offered scraps.

Conservation status

The Cape starling is currently not considered to be at risk, and thus has not been classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List. Its population appears to be stable, and it enjoys a broad distribution across southern Africa.