How to identify the Hildebrandt's Starling

To correctly identify the Hildebrandt's Starling (Lamprotornis hildebrandti), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

18-19 cm

Wingspan

Approximately 30-32 cm

Weight

50-69 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults exhibit highly iridescent plumage. The head, upperparts, and breast are a brilliant metallic blue-green, often appearing purple or violet in certain lights. The belly and flanks are a striking rufous-orange, contrasting sharply with the iridescent upperparts. The wings and tail are also iridescent blue-green, with a purplish sheen on the flight feathers. The undertail coverts are blackish.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Relatively short, stout, and slightly decurved; black in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Bright orange-red, a distinctive field mark.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of iridescent blue-green upperparts, rufous-orange underparts, and bright orange-red eyes is unique among starlings in its range. The metallic sheen is particularly intense.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller than adults, with sooty-brown upperparts and a duller, less vibrant rufous-orange on the underparts. The eyes are dark brown, gradually changing to orange-red as they mature.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes are observed.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, appearing very similar. Males may be slightly larger on average, but this is not a reliable field identification feature.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration. Look for the striking combination of iridescent blue-green on the head, back, and breast, contrasting sharply with the deep rufous-orange belly and flanks. No white breast band or vent.
• Eye Color. The bright orange-red eyes are a key diagnostic feature, especially in adults.
• Habitat. Typically found in dry acacia bushland and open savannas of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.
• Behavior. Often seen foraging on the ground in small groups or pairs, sometimes alongside other starling species.

Explore the Hildebrandt's Starling