Superb Starling

About

The Superb Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird renowned for its striking iridescent plumage. It is a common and conspicuous resident of East Africa, often found in open woodlands, savannas, and human-modified environments. Known for its bold and inquisitive nature, it is a highly social species, frequently seen in flocks.

Size & lifespan

Length

18-19 cm

Wingspan

32-35 cm

Weight

52-69 g

Lifespan

Up to 15 years in the wild

Diet

Omnivore

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults exhibit brilliant iridescent blue-green plumage on the head, back, wings, and tail. The belly is a rich rufous (chestnut) color, separated from the iridescent blue breast by a narrow white band. The undertail coverts are white. The wings have a metallic sheen, and the tail is relatively short. The iridescence shifts from blue to green depending on the light angle.

Beak shape

Conical and relatively stout, black in color.

Eye color

Pale yellow to creamy white, contrasting sharply with the dark head.

Leg color

Black

Distinguishing features

The combination of iridescent blue-green upperparts, rufous belly, and a distinct white breast band is unique among starlings in its range. The pale yellow eye is also a key field mark.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller than adults, with sooty-brown or blackish upperparts and a duller, less iridescent sheen. The rufous belly is present but less vibrant, and the white breast band is often indistinct or absent. The eyes are dark brown, gradually changing to pale yellow as they mature.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The iridescence may appear more vibrant during breeding season due to feather condition, but no distinct breeding or non-breeding plumages exist.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are virtually identical in plumage and size, making them difficult to distinguish visually in the field.

How to identify

1. 1

   Plumage Coloration

   Look for the striking combination of iridescent blue-green on the head, back, and breast, contrasted with a bright rufous (chestnut) belly. The narrow white band separating the blue breast from the rufous belly is a key identifier.

2. 2

   Eye Color

   The pale yellow to creamy white eye is a distinctive feature that stands out against the dark head and helps differentiate it from similar species with dark or red eyes.

3. 3

   Size and Shape

   A medium-sized starling (18-19 cm) with a relatively short tail and a stout, conical black beak. Its posture is typically upright.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Observe its social nature; it's often seen in noisy flocks foraging on the ground in open areas. Its bold and inquisitive demeanor is also characteristic.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for its varied and complex song, which includes whistles, trills, chattering, and mimicry. Its frequent 'churr' or 'chick-chick' alarm calls are also distinctive.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Savanna, open woodland, shrubland, grasslands, agricultural land, urban and suburban areas.

Geographic range

East Africa, primarily found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of Sudan.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 2,200 meters (7,200 feet), occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Prefers open habitats with scattered trees and bushes, often near human habitation. Common in gardens, parks, cultivated areas, and acacia woodlands. Avoids dense forests.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Highly opportunistic omnivores. Their diet consists mainly of insects (grasshoppers, beetles, termites, ants, flies, caterpillars) and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. They also consume a significant amount of fruits, berries, nectar, and seeds. They forage primarily on the ground, often in open areas, but will also glean insects from foliage and take fruit from trees. They are known to follow large mammals to catch disturbed insects.

Social behavior

Highly social birds, typically found in pairs or small family groups, but often congregating in large, noisy flocks, especially outside the breeding season and at communal roosts. They are known to associate with other starling species.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct, and undulating flight with rapid wingbeats. Often flies in loose flocks.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout its range, with no significant migratory movements. Local movements may occur in response to food availability or rainfall.

Territoriality

Breeding pairs defend a small territory around the nest site. Flocks are less territorial, especially when foraging.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, generally coinciding with the rainy seasons. In East Africa, typically March-May and October-December, but can breed year-round if conditions are favorable.

Nesting habits

Monogamous, but cooperative breeding has been observed. Nests are typically bulky, untidy structures made of twigs, grass, and leaves, lined with softer materials like feathers or animal hair. They are usually placed in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, rock crevices, or sometimes in man-made structures like eaves of buildings or nest boxes. Both sexes participate in nest building.

Clutch size

3-5 eggs

Egg description

Typically 3-5 eggs, pale blue or greenish-blue, often speckled with reddish-brown or purplish spots, particularly at the broader end. Eggs measure approximately 26 x 19 mm.

Incubation period

11-14 days, primarily by the female, though the male may assist.

Fledging period

18-21 days after hatching. Young are fed by both parents and sometimes by helpers.

Parental care

Both parents feed and care for the young. In cooperative breeding scenarios, additional individuals (often offspring from previous broods) assist in feeding the nestlings and fledglings.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look for movement on the ground. Superb Starlings primarily forage on the ground, so scan open grassy areas, lawns, and dirt paths. They often move with a distinctive strut.
2. Listen for their calls. Their varied and often noisy vocalizations make them easy to locate, especially when in flocks. Listen for their chattering and whistling calls.
3. Check prominent perches. They often perch conspicuously on treetops, utility wires, or buildings, especially when singing or surveying their surroundings.
4. Visit picnic sites and lodges. In tourist areas, they are often habituated to humans and can be seen up close, scavenging for food scraps.
5. Observe flocks. They are highly social, so if you see one, there are likely more nearby. Look for groups foraging together or flying in unison.

Similar species

Quick facts

Diet:

Omnivorous (insects, fruits, seeds, nectar)

Habitat:

Open woodlands, savannas, urban areas

Sociality:

Highly social, often in large flocks

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Range:

East Africa

Distinguishing Mark:

White breast band and pale yellow eye

Fun facts

• Superb Starlings are known for their bold and fearless nature, often approaching humans closely in search of food.
• They are excellent mimics and can incorporate calls of other bird species and even human sounds into their songs.
• Despite their vibrant colors, the iridescence is not due to pigments but rather to the microscopic structure of their feathers, which refracts light.
• They sometimes engage in cooperative breeding, where non-breeding individuals help raise the young of a dominant pair.
• Superb Starlings are considered a symbol of the African savanna and are a favorite among birdwatchers and tourists due to their striking appearance.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Sturnidae

Genus

Lamprotornis

Species

Lamprotornis superbus

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