Violet-backed Starling
[Cinnyricinclus leucogaster]
The male violet backed starling is beautiful with a head, neck, back and tail of brilliant purple. The underside is white. The female, however, is drab; the purple of the male is replaced by olive green feathers and the white underside is flecked with green dashes.
Location: African Elephant Crossing - Seasonal
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Range
The range of the violet backed starling is Senegal, Somalia, Namibia, and Botswana.
Habitat
The violet back starling inhabits open arid riverine woodland up to 2500 meters high.
Conservation Status
Least ConcernPrimary Threats
Gestation
Incubation: 12-14 days
Litter
Clutch size: 2-4 eggs
Behavior
Violet backed starlings are very common and tend to be migratory depending on the season, sometimes in large flocks.
Reproduction
Reproduction varies depending on location, but breeding is usually in spring. Violet backed starling nests are in tree or fence holes only 2 to 6 meters above ground. The breeding pair both feed the young.
Wild Diet
Mainly fruits and insects on occasion
Zoo Diet
Fruit