The copper-tailed starling or copper-tailed glossy-starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Upper Guinea (West Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid lowland forests of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, primarily within the Upper Guinea biodiversity hotspot. It favors primary and well-developed secondary rainforest, especially along forest edges and in canopy gaps. The species also uses selectively logged forest and sometimes visits adjacent agroforestry such as cocoa farms when fruit is abundant. It is mostly encountered in the mid- to upper canopy, where it forages and moves between fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This glossy starling is a canopy-dwelling specialist of the Upper Guinea rainforests, where its coppery tail glows in good light. It often travels in small, noisy groups and readily visits fruiting trees. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion is the main threat to the species. Observers frequently detect it by its metallic chatter high in the canopy before getting a clear view.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small, vocal groups and may join mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are placed in natural cavities or holes in trees, and pairs are thought to be monogamous during the breeding season. Adults defend nest sites but forage communally at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of metallic chatters, squeaks, and liquid whistles delivered from high perches. Calls are sharp and carry through the canopy; some mimicry of other species may be included.
Plumage
Overall glossy plumage with metallic green to blue sheen on head and body, transitioning to a striking coppery-bronze tail. Plumage appears uniform without streaking, with iridescence varying by light angle.
Diet
Feeds on a varied mix of fruits (figs, berries, drupes) and a wide range of arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and termites. It will take nectar when available and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs. Forages by gleaning and snatching items from foliage and by sallying short distances to catch flying insects. Often concentrates at fruiting trees and follows seasonal food availability.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid- to upper canopy of mature lowland rainforest and along forest edges. Also enters secondary forest, riparian corridors, and nearby agroforestry such as cocoa and oil palm when fruit is abundant.
