Most beautiful small birds - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Golden-Breasted Starling (Lamprotornis regius)

Identification:

• Species name: Golden-Breasted Starling
• Scientific name: Lamprotornis regius
• Family: Sturnidae (Starlings)
• Order: Passeriformes (Songbirds)
• Subclass: Neornithes (Modern birds)
• Class: Aves (Birds)

Description:

• Size: Medium-sized starling, about 30-37.5 cm (12-15 in) long with a wingspan of 11.5-13 cm (4.6-5.6 in).
• Body shape: Slender and graceful, with a long, elegant tail, a long, slightly downcurved beak, and dark eyes.
• Plumage color:

Males: Striking contrast of iridescent green-blue upperparts, bright yellow breast and belly, and a black mask around the eyes.

Females: Duller green upperparts, paler yellow underparts, and a less defined black mask.

Black legs.

• Beak: Long, slightly downcurved, and dark grey in color, suitable for probing for insects and fruit.

Behavior:

• Method of feeding: Omnivorous, foraging for insects, fruits, berries, and even small reptiles and amphibians. Often follows other birds to exploit their feeding opportunities.
• Reproduction: Builds cup-shaped nests in trees or cavities. Lays 2-5 pale blue eggs with reddish markings. Both parents care for the young.
• Movement: Resident in most of its range, with some local movements in response to food availability.
• Communication: Loud and varied calls, including whistles, chatter, and mimicry of other birds. Males sing during the breeding season to attract mates and defend territory.

Ecology:

• Habitat: Dry woodland, thorn savanna, scrubland, and agricultural areas. Often found near human settlements.
• Diet: Insects, fruits, berries, seeds, nectar, and small reptiles and amphibians.
• Hunting methods: Forages actively on the ground and in trees, probing for insects, gleaning fruit, and even digging in the soil for small prey.

Distribution: Found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania.

The Golden-Breasted Starling, a radiant splash of gold and blue gracing the savannas and woodlands of eastern Africa, might seem like a glamorous sight at first glance. But beyond its striking plumage and social tendencies lies a treasure trove of fascinating facts and adaptations that will leave you captivated by this starling extraordinaire:

Masters of Mimicry: Don't underestimate the Golden-Breasted Starling's vocal talents! They are skilled mimics, able to flawlessly reproduce the calls of other birds, from raptors and hornbills to even the barking of foxes. Imagine them as feathered DJs with built-in sound effect libraries!

Unexpected Feast Hunters: They aren't picky eaters. Golden-Breasted Starlings are versatile omnivores, readily adapting their diet to the seasons and what's available. From fruits and insects to seeds and even small reptiles, they utilize their powerful beaks to tackle a variety of tasty options. Think of them as feathered culinary adventurers with built-in miniature buffets!

Cooperative Colony Breeders: Forget solitary nests; Golden-Breasted Starlings live in large, bustling colonies. These feathered communes offer protection from predators and allow for cooperative breeding, with several females laying eggs in a communal nest and all colony members helping to raise the chicks. It's a feathered apartment building with built-in childcare!

Hidden Tool Users: Recent research suggests these starlings might be smarter than we thought! They have been observed using twigs and sticks as tools to pry open stubborn seeds and even manipulate objects to reach hidden treats. Talk about feathered MacGyvers with built-in pocket toolkits!

Unexpected Sunbathers: Don't be surprised to see them spread their wings wide open, basking in the African sun. This sunbathing behavior helps them regulate their body temperature and even kill parasites — talk about feathered solar panels with built-in pest control!

Symbiotic Symphony: Golden-Breasted Starlings play a vital role in the ecosystem. By dispersing seeds through their droppings, they help plants spread and take root, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the savannas. These feathered gardeners even help control some insect populations, maintaining a healthy balance in their habitats.

Cultural Charmers: In some African cultures, the Golden-Breasted Starling is associated with good luck and new beginnings. Its vibrant plumage and social nature inspire awe and respect, making it a treasured symbol of the region's abundant life.

Unexpected Regional Variation: Did you know? Golden-Breasted Starlings come in different shades of gold! Their chest plumage can vary from bright yellow to a deeper orange depending on their geographical location, creating a feathered kaleidoscope across eastern Africa.