Purple glossy starlings live across tropical Africa from Senegal to Kenya. Named for their bright, shiny purple feathers, they also have striking yellow eyes.
The life of a purple glossy starling
Purple glossy starlings grow to about 8.5 inches long and weigh about three to four ounces. Young purple glossy starlings begin life with duller colors and develop their vibrant feathers as they grow.
They are omnivores that feast on fruit, nectar and insects. They build nests in tree holes. Females lay two to four eggs and only the mother will sit on them until they hatch about two weeks later. Both parents feed chicks squashed insects.
Purple glossy starlings are very social. When not breeding, they roost in groups of hundreds or even thousands of birds. They communicate through loud squeaking calls. Adults face few predators, but young purple glossy starlings are vulnerable to birds of prey and some small mammals.
Purple glossy starlings at the zoo
Located in the Vollum Aviary.
