The Superb Starlings (Lamprotornis superbus) are commonly found in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Description
The Superb Starlings measure about 7 – 7.5 inches (18 – 19 cm) in length – including the tail.
Adults have blackheads and glossy blue-to-green backs, upper breasts, wings, and tails. The chest is blue followed by a white bar and below the abdomen is red-orange. The undertail coverts (feathers) and the wing linings are white.
The juvenile plumage is duller plumage, with a less well-defined white band below the chest. The eyes are initially brown, then turn greyish white until they reach the adult coloration of cream-colored eyes.
Calls / Vocalizations
The Superb Starlings calls are described as long and loud consisting of various trills and chatters, including a shrill, screeching skerrrreeee-cherrrroo-tcherreeeeeet.”. At midday, their songs are softer repeated phrases.
Diet / Feeding
These starlings feed on various fruits and plant matter; as well as insects.
