Violet-backed starlings live in open woodland areas and along forest edges throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They are very vocal, with up to 15 different calls. They also imitate human whistling sounds and recreate the calls of other birds.
Life of a violet-backed starling
Violet-backed starlings grow to about six inches and weigh about one to two ounces. Males have a brilliant violet appearance, while females have dark brown feathers. They can live up to four years in the wild and up to 20 years in human care.
Violet-backed starlings are omnivores, mainly feasting on fruit by perching and then plucking their food. They also eat insects, catching them while flying or picking them off tree branches. They spend most of their time in trees, rarely walking on the ground.
After mating, pairs stay together for life. They nest in tree holes and sometimes reuse the same nest each year. Nests are made of dung, leaves and other vegetation. Females lay two to four eggs at a time. Once chicks hatch, males assist females in feeding the chicks. After about 20 to 22 days, chicks leave the nest.
Violet-backed starlings are vulnerable to larger birds of prey. Their predators include peregrine falcons and other birds that raid their nest eggs.
Violet-backed starlings at the zoo
Located in the Treetops section of the Africa area.
