Emerald starlings are found in parts of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire. Known for their shiny, bright emerald green feathers combined with purple patches, they prefer savanna and woodland habitats but avoid dense forests.
The life of an emerald starling
Emerald starlings grow up to 8.5 inches long and weigh four to 5.5 ounces. Their lifespan in the wild varies but they live up to 25 years in human care.
Emerald starlings live in flocks of 15 to 20 and sometimes gather in larger groups of up to 100. Pairs build their nests together in small holes in tree trunks, which they line with vegetation. Females lay up to four eggs at a time, which hatch after two weeks. Both parents feed the chicks, and sometimes other members of the flock assist in feeding too. After another two weeks, chicks are ready to leave the nest.
These omnivores eat fruits, figs, berries and small insects. While adults are generally able to avoid predators, young emerald starlings are vulnerable to large birds of prey such as owls, hawks and falcons, as well as snakes.
Emerald starlings at the zoo
Located in the Vollum Aviary and Tree Top Aviary.
