The purple starling, also known as the purple glossy starling, is a member of the starling family of birds.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the savannas and open woodlands of West Africa east into parts of Central Africa, frequenting forest edges, gallery forests, and cultivated areas. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes and is commonly seen near villages and plantations. The species generally avoids dense interior rainforest, preferring patchy canopy and open understory. It is largely sedentary within its broad range, moving locally in response to food availability.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the purple glossy starling, this species is famous for its intensely iridescent purple-violet plumage that shifts color with the light. Its bright yellow eyes are striking and make it easy to spot even in shaded woodland. It often gathers in noisy flocks around fruiting trees and nests in natural cavities.
A purple starling at Birdworld, UK
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct, fast flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often gregarious, forming small to large flocks outside the breeding season and gathering at roosts. Nests in tree cavities or holes in palms and buildings, typically lining the nest with leaves and grass. Pairs are monogamous during a breeding attempt and vigorously defend the immediate nest site.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes rich whistles, metallic chimes, and harsh chatters. Calls are loud and carry far, especially from canopy perches. Flock interactions add to a constant background of chirrs and whistles near feeding sites.
Plumage
Uniformly glossy, metallic plumage with a lustrous purple-violet sheen and subtle blue-green reflections on wings and tail.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as termites during emergences. Also consumes fruits and berries, particularly figs and other soft fruits, and may take nectar opportunistically. Occasionally gleans small invertebrates from foliage or the ground and may hawk flying insects from perches. Diet varies seasonally with fruiting cycles and insect availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open woodland, forest edge, savanna, plantations, and gardens. Often concentrates at fruiting trees and around water sources, and readily feeds on the ground or low shrubs.
