Rüppell's starling, also known as Rueppell's glossy-starling or Rueppell's long-tailed starling, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in the African countries of Burundi, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Region
East Africa and the Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from Eritrea and Ethiopia south through South Sudan and Sudan to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and into parts of Somalia and Chad. It favors open woodland, acacia savanna, thornbush, and cultivated areas, and is common in towns and village edges. Often associates with livestock and takes advantage of irrigated fields and gardens. Roosts communally in trees and sometimes on human structures.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Rüppell's starling is a glossy, long-tailed starling of East Africa, often seen around villages and open savannas. Its iridescent plumage shifts from blue-green to violet in good light, and the bright yellow eye is a standout feature. It frequently forms small flocks, roosts communally, and readily exploits human-modified landscapes. The species is named after the German naturalist Eduard Rüppell.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small flocks and gathers in larger groups at roosts. Nests in cavities such as tree holes or building crevices, lining nests with plant material. Often shows cooperative or loosely colonial tendencies around rich food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a mix of metallic chattering, harsh squeaks, and clear whistles. Calls are frequently given from exposed perches and can become a lively chorus at communal roosts.
Plumage
Iridescent, glossy plumage with blue-green upperparts and a purplish-violet sheen on the underparts; long, slightly graduated tail.
Diet
Takes a wide range of insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and termites, especially during the breeding season. Also eats fruits and berries from native shrubs and trees, and will sample nectar or small invertebrates flushed by grazing animals. Opportunistically forages around human settlements for scraps and arthropods.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground and in low vegetation within savanna, open woodland, and agro-pastoral mosaics. Regularly feeds at the edges of villages, gardens, and cultivated fields and follows livestock to pick disturbed prey.
