The purple starling (Lamprotornis purpureus), estorninho azul(argentina, peru, colombia), melro metálico (brazil) also known as the purple glossy starling, is a member of the starling family of birds.

Purple starling
Adult bird in The Gambia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Genus: Lamprotornis
Species:
L. purpureus
Binomial name
Lamprotornis purpureus
A purple starling at Birdworld, UK

Distribution and habitat

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It is a resident breeder in tropical Africa from Senegal and north Zaire east to Sudan and west Kenya. This common passerine is typically found in open woodland and cultivation.

Description

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The adults of these stocky 22–23 cm long birds have a metallic purple head and body, and glossy green wings. They have a short tail and a yellow eye. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are much duller, with grey underparts and a brown iris.

Behaviour

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This is a gregarious and noisy bird, with typical starling squeaks and chattering.

Breeding

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The purple starling builds a nest in a hole. The normal clutch is two eggs.

Feeding

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Like most starlings, the purple starling is omnivorous, eating fruit and insects.

References

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  1. ^ BirdLife International (2018). "Lamprotornis purpureus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22710668A132089272. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22710668A132089272.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.