ExploreBirds

Greater Blue-eared Starling

Lamprotornis chalybaeus

The Greater Blue-eared Starling is a colorful bird with shiny blue and green feathers. It loves to sing and can often be seen in groups, making it a cheerful sight in the wild!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Greater Blue-eared Starling has dazzling iridescent blue-green plumage that shimmers in the sunlight, with distinct darker blue patches around its "ears." Its striking bright yellow eyes contrast sharply with its dark feathers, making it quite eye-catching.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilySturnidaeGenusLamprotornis
Greater Blue-eared Starling
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Greater Blue-eared Starling

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Sometimes, they help larger animals by eating ticks right off their skin!

Their iridescent feathers are not painted, but made of tiny structures that scatter light!

These birds love dust baths, rolling in dry soil to keep their feathers clean.

They often follow large animals like giraffes to catch insects stirred up.

Special abilities

Ability

Feathered Rainbow Shield

Greater Blue-eared Starlings have iridescent feathers that reflect light, helping them blend in or stand out to attract a mate.

Ability

Chatty Mimic

This starling can mimic a variety of sounds, including other bird calls, which helps them communicate or even trick predators.

Ability

Teamwork Alert

Greater Blue-eared Starlings often forage in large flocks, which helps them spot predators faster and find food more efficiently.

Ability

Adaptable Eater

Greater Blue-eared Starlings have a varied diet of fruits and insects, helping them find food in many different environments.

Measurements & details

Length
21-23 cm
Wingspan
35-40 cm
Weight
0.056-0.078 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
11-14 days

Diet & Feeding

These birds are omnivores, enjoying both insects and fruits found in their African homes!

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Berries
  • Nectar
  • Seeds
  • Small fruits

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Scented Pod Acacia

Acacia nilotica

Consumes its fruits and seeds, aiding in seed dispersal.

eaten by

African Goshawk

Accipiter tachiro

A common bird of prey that hunts adult starlings.

eats

African Fungus-growing Termite

Macrotermes natalensis

Feeds on these termites during ground foraging.

parasitizes

Great Spotted Cuckoo

Clamator glandarius

Lays its eggs in starling nests for the starlings to raise.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Greater Blue-eared Starling?

21-23 cm

What is Greater Blue-eared Starling's wingspan?

35-40 cm

How much does Greater Blue-eared Starling weigh?

0.056-0.078 kg

How long does Greater Blue-eared Starling live?

5-10 years

How fast can Greater Blue-eared Starling move?

55 km/h

What does Greater Blue-eared Starling eat?

These birds are omnivores, enjoying both insects and fruits found in their African homes!

Where is Greater Blue-eared Starling usually found?

Grasslands

How does Greater Blue-eared Starling hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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