Burchell's Starling
Lamprotornis australis
A large, long-tailed, iridescent blue-green to purple glossy starling with barred wings, and a round-tipped tail. Pairs, groups, and small flocks are resident in dry savanna, especially near thorn trees, where they have become common in camps and often associate with humans. The species feeds on the ground, walking with long strides and sitting low in trees, searching for insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter to eat. The similar Meves’s Starling differs from Burchell’s Starling by being bluer and smaller, with a more strongly graduated tail that is proportionately longer.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lamprotornis australis
- Authority
- (Smith, A, 1836)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sturnidae
- Genus
- Lamprotornis
Range and habitat
This species is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is absent from miombo woodland, but is present in westerly gusu woodlands.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Laughing Falcon
Herpetotheres cachinnans
Spectacular and distinctive raptor of tropical lowlands, often seen perched on prominent bare snags, from which it hunts for snakes. Occurs in forest and also in open country with scattered trees. Note the creamy head and underparts with a broad black "bandit mask." Does not soar, and flies with hurried, stiff wingbeats, when rusty patches show on the wings. Named for its far-carrying laughing calls.
Willcocks's Honeyguide
Indicator willcocksi
A small honeyguide of forest and forest edge. Has a typical honeyguide appearance, being largely olive-green all over with the brightest green on the wings. Shows a pale belly with a hint of streaking and white outer tail feathers with dark tips. The throat is pale and the face is plain, lacking facial markings. Similar to other honeyguides in the region, but note plain face and distinctive song, which consists of typical honeyguide notes immediately followed by a bill snap, “p-REER-tk!”, sometimes repeated for hours on end and often from dedicated song posts that can be utilized for years.
European Greenfinch
Chloris chloris
Male greenish overall with a rather stout pale pinkish bill, yellow flashes on wing and sides of tail. Female is much drabber, but shares male pattern; especially note the big, dull pinkish bill and yellow wing flash. Inhabits varied wooded and forested habitats, including parks, gardens, and farmland with hedges and scattered trees. Forms flocks in autumn and winter, sometimes moving in more open country. Often visits garden feeders. Listen for chattering song, interspersed with buzzy “dzweeeeee” calls. A Eurasian native, now introduced to southeastern South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.