Purple Glossy-starling

Taxobox
name = Purple Glossy Starling

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image_caption = "Lamprotornis purpureus"
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
familia = Sturnidae
genus = "Lamprotornis"
species = "L. purpureus"
binomial = "Lamprotornis purpureus"
binomial_authority = (Statius Muller, 1776)

The Purple Glossy Starling, "Lamprotornis purpureus", is a member of the starling family of birds. It is a resident breeder in tropical Africa from Senegal and north Zaire east to Sudan and west Kenya.This common passerine is typically found in open woodland and cultivation. The Purple Starling builds a nest in hole. The normal clutch is two eggs. This is a gregarious and noisy bird, with typical starling squeaks and chattering.

The adults of these stocky 22-23cm long birds have a metallic purple head and body, and glossy green wings. They have a short tail and a yellow eye. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are much duller, with grey underparts and a brown iris.

Like most starlings, the Purple Glossy Starling is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit and insects.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
* "Birds of The Gambia" by Barlow, Wacher and Disley, ISBN 1-873403-32-1