How to identify the Cape Glossy Starling

To correctly identify the Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis nitens), 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

25-30 cm

Wingspan

38-45 cm

Weight

70-100 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults exhibit a brilliant, iridescent blue-green plumage over most of the body, appearing glossy and metallic in good light. The head, back, and wings are particularly vibrant, while the belly can be slightly duller. The undertail coverts are dark, often appearing blackish. There are no significant seasonal changes in adult plumage.

2. 2

   Beak shape

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

   The beak is relatively short, stout, and conical, adapted for a varied diet. It is entirely black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   The eyes are a striking bright yellow, contrasting sharply with the dark head plumage.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Legs and feet are black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Key features include the overall iridescent blue-green plumage, bright yellow eyes, and entirely black beak and legs. The lack of any spots or streaking on the underparts distinguishes it from some other glossy starlings.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller and less iridescent than adults, with a sooty-brown or greyish-brown plumage overall. The eyes are dark brown, gradually changing to yellow as they mature. The beak is also duller, often with a yellowish gape.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal changes in adult plumage. Juveniles gradually acquire adult plumage over their first year.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are monomorphic in plumage, appearing identical. There might be slight size differences, with males typically being marginally larger, but this is not reliably discernible in the field.

Key field marks

• Plumage Color. Look for the overall brilliant, uniform iridescent blue-green sheen across the entire body. This is the most striking feature.
• Eye Color. The bright, piercing yellow eyes are a key identifier and stand out against the dark head.
• Beak and Leg Color. Note the entirely black beak and legs, without any other coloration.
• Size and Shape. It's a medium-sized starling, with a relatively compact body and a medium-length tail, not excessively long like some other glossy starlings.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its varied song, which includes whistles, trills, and chattering, and its harsh 'churr' call.
• Behavior. Observe its confident ground foraging, often in open areas, and its tendency to form social groups.

Explore the Cape Glossy Starling