From Opus

Alternative name: Copper-tailed Starling

Lamprotornis cupreocauda

[edit] Identification

A dark, small starling with a short tail. 18cm.

• Glossy deep blue violet
• Copper-brown tail
• Yellow eye
• Black bill and legs

Sexes similar. Juveniles have a sooty-brown plumage, glossy green upperparts and purple gloss on crown.

[edit] Distribution

Occurs in Western Africa from Sierra Leone east to southeast Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Generally common but probably declining in its range.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].
Placed in genus Hylopsar by Gill and Donsker.

[edit] Habitat

Edge of forest, forests, riverine and gallery forest.

[edit] Behaviour

Usually seen in pairs or small groups.

[edit] Diet

The diet includes insects, fruit (often figs), and berries. Forages mainly in the canopy.

[edit] Breeding

It makes its nest in dead tree cavities. One pair was observed with three fledglings.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2010. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2010. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/Clements%206.5.xls/view
2. Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
3. Avibase
4. BirdLife International

• List of references

[edit] External Links