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Hildebrandt's Starling look-alikes

Lamprotornis hildebrandti

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Several birds can be mistaken for the Hildebrandt's Starling. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.

Birds to compare

Superb Starling

Lamprotornis superbus

Key differences

The Superb Starling has a white breast band separating the iridescent blue-green upper breast from the rufous-orange belly, and a white vent. Hildebrandt's Starling lacks the white breast band and white vent, with the rufous-orange extending directly up to the iridescent breast.

Shelley's Starling

Lamprotornis shelleyi

Key differences

Shelley's Starling is generally smaller and has a more purplish-blue iridescence on the upperparts, with a less extensive rufous-orange on the underparts, often confined to the flanks and lower belly. Its eyes are typically yellow, not orange-red.

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