The splendid starling, also known as the splendid glossy-starling, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across tropical West and Central Africa, frequenting forest edges, gallery forest, wooded savanna, plantations, and gardens. It is common around villages, farmland, and along roads where scattered trees remain. The species often forages at fruiting trees and on the ground in open areas. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance and can be locally abundant near human settlements.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The splendid starling, also called the splendid glossy-starling, is a striking African bird known for its intensely iridescent plumage that shifts between blue-green and violet in sunlight. It often forms noisy flocks around villages and farms and readily joins mixed-species groups at fruiting trees. Like many starlings, it uses cavities for nesting and may take advantage of man-made structures. Its adaptability helps it thrive in a variety of lightly wooded and human-modified habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in small to medium flocks that may join mixed-species assemblages. Nests in cavities in trees, palms, or buildings, often reusing suitable holes. Pairs are attentive parents, and loose colonies can form where nest sites are clustered.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes sharp chatters, whistles, and metallic notes. Calls are often delivered from exposed perches and become especially noisy around feeding sites and roosts.
Plumage
Highly glossy, iridescent plumage with blue-green upperparts and head contrasting with deep violet to purplish underparts; sheen shifts with light.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, along with a variety of fruits and berries. It frequently gleans insects from foliage and hawks short distances to catch flying prey. Around farms, it may pick beetles and grasshoppers stirred by livestock and also visits fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open woodland, edges of forest, cultivated lands, and settlements. Often forages on the ground and in the mid-canopy, moving between trees and open patches.
