Rüppell's Starling
Lamprotornis purpuroptera
A large, fairly long-tailed dark and glossy starling. Sometimes looks black, but in good light, shows iridescence that is mostly purple, with a green wing and a maroon belly. Found in moist savanna, woodland, gardens, and cultivated areas, often on the ground, typically in small flocks. Especially fond of manicured lawns. Similar to Long-tailed Glossy Starling, but shorter-tailed and more purple overall. The loud and complex vocalizations include a mix of rattles, scratches, and piercing whistles.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lamprotornis purpuroptera
- Authority
- Rüppell, 1845
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sturnidae
- Genus
- Lamprotornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Laughing Dove
Spilopelia senegalensis
Small, similar in size to European Turtle-Dove. Tail is strikingly long with white corners and a grey center, but is all white underneath. Its body is pastel shades of brown and pink with a spotted black collar. Usually associated with human-modified landscapes, such as plantations, gardens, and urban areas as long as some trees are present. The call is a repetitious “coo- coo coo ru” replicated 5–8 times.
Black-throated Hermit
Phaethornis atrimentalis
Small hummingbird with a long white-tipped tail. Its rufous underparts, green back, and striped face are features typical of many hermits, but the dark throat and white vent help separate it from other similar species. Inhabits rainforest understory in lowlands east of the Andes and in adjacent foothills. It is difficult to see well as it zips between flowers in the gloom. Sometimes gives a high-pitched, squeaky song from a low perch.
Reischek's Parakeet
Cyanoramphus hochstetteri
A medium-sized, emerald-green parakeet endemic to the Antipodes Islands, including smaller outer islands. Recognized by its distinctive bright red crown and small red patches behind the eyes. Green body plumage has a slight yellowish tint. Males are larger than females. Most commonly found in areas of low vegetation and open areas along the coast. Forms small flocks in autumn and winter. Calls are a distinctive parakeet chatter. Distinguished from Red-crowned Parakeet by lack of range overlap and the more yellow-green body plumage. Easily distinguished from larger, all-green Antipodes Island Parakeet.
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