Cape Starling
Lamprotornis nitens
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
25cm to 28cm
Wingspan
40cm to 45cm
Weight
80g to 100g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Iridescent Blue Green
Secondary Colour
Purple
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
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:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our 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.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
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.
Agility
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.
Strength
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.
Adaptability
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.
Aggressiveness
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.
Endurance
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.
Diet
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.
Behaviour
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.
Vocalisation
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'.
Nesting & Breeding
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks in open woodland areas and near human settlements
- Listen for their varied vocalisations, including whistles and chattering calls
- Observe their iridescent plumage, which changes colour depending on the angle of light
- Check fruiting trees, where they often gather to feed
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
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.
Did You Know?
- Cape Starlings can form mixed-species flocks with other starling species.
- Their iridescent feathers are not pigmented but create colour through light refraction.
- These birds play a role in seed dispersal, contributing to ecosystem health.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Lamprotornis nitens. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22710675A132089574.
View source - 2
report, 1998: Feare and Craig
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