Lamprotornis nitens
The Cape Starling is a medium-sized bird with striking iridescent plumage. Its feathers shimmer with a metallic blue-green sheen, often appearing purple in certain light conditions. The body is sleek and compact, with a relatively long tail.
Adults have bright yellow eyes that contrast sharply with their dark plumage. Juveniles are duller, with a more brownish tint and darker eyes, gradually developing adult colouration as they mature.
Length
25cm to 28cm
Wingspan
40cm to 45cm
Weight
80g to 100g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Iridescent Blue Green
Secondary Colour
Purple
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Cape Starlings are native to southern Africa and found in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. They inhabit a variety of woodland habitats, including savanna, open bush, and riverine forests.
These adaptable birds have also successfully colonised urban and suburban areas, often seen in parks, gardens, and agricultural lands. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with no significant seasonal movements.
Up to 2,000 meters
Subtropical, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Cape Starling. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsOur bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Cape Starling demonstrates impressive agility through its undulating flight patterns, swift ground movements, and ability to perform complex aerial displays during communal roosting. Their adept manoeuvring whilst following large mammals for food further showcases their nimble nature.
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly powerful for their size, Cape Starlings possess adequate strength for their lifestyle. Their medium build (80-100g) allows them to effectively forage on the ground and defend nest cavities, though they're not notably strong compared to other similarly-sized birds.
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable birds that thrive across diverse habitats from woodlands to urban areas. Their omnivorous diet, successful colonisation of human-modified environments, and ability to utilise various nesting sites demonstrate remarkable adaptability. Their stable population in changing environments further supports this rating.
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not overly aggressive, Cape Starlings display moderate territorial behaviour during breeding season and will defend their nesting sites. Their social nature typically leads to more cooperative rather than aggressive interactions, though they can be assertive when necessary.
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These birds exhibit solid endurance, evidenced by their ability to maintain large foraging territories, participate in extended communal roosting displays, and actively feed throughout the day. Their successful adaptation to various elevations (up to 2,000m) also suggests good stamina.
Cape Starlings are omnivorous, with a diet of fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. They often forage on the ground, probing the soil with their beaks.
These birds are also known to follow large mammals, feeding on insects disturbed by their movement.
Cape Starlings are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks. They have a distinctive undulating flight pattern and are known for their agile movements on the ground.
These birds are vocal and frequently engage in communal roosting, creating impressive aerial displays before settling for the night.
Cape Starlings are known for their diverse vocal repertoire. Their calls include a variety of whistles, warbles, and chattering sounds.
They often mimic other bird species and even make mechanical noises. A common call is a high-pitched 'wee-wee-wee' or a melodious 'tswee-tswee-tswee'.
Cape Starlings typically breed during the warmer months, from September to March. They form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting sites year after year.
Nests are built in tree cavities, rock crevices, or man-made structures. The female lays 2-5 pale blue eggs with brown speckles. Both parents participate in nest building and incubation.
The incubation period lasts about 13-15 days, with chicks fledging after approximately 22-28 days. Parents continue to feed the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
The Cape Starling is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its adaptability to human-modified environments and wide distribution contribute to its stable population.
However, like many birds, it faces challenges from habitat loss and climate change, particularly in more arid regions of its range.
Main predators of Cape Starlings include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as snakes and small mammals that can access their nests.
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Lamprotornis nitens. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22710675A132089574.
View sourcereport, 1998: Feare and Craig
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.