Principe Starling

Lamprotornis ornatus

A large, chunky, dark starling. In poor light, looks black, but good light reveals purple, green, blue, and copper iridescence. Most of the glossy coloration is on the upperparts, while the underparts are duller, appearing blackish with bronze highlights. Common in humid forest, plantations, and secondary habitats on the island of Principe. Usually in small flocks. Similar to Splendid Starling, but separated by the bronzy rather than purplish underparts. Gives a wide variety of scolding, rasping, squealing, and liquid notes. 

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Lamprotornis ornatus
Authority
(Daudin, 1800)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Sturnidae
Genus
Lamprotornis

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
unknown

Photos

Distribution

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