Copper-tailed Starling

Alternative name: Copper-tailed Glossy Starling

Hylopsar cupreocauda

Lamprotornis cupreocauda

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.

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.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].
Formerly placed in genus Lamprotornis.

Habitat

Edge of forest, forests, riverine and gallery forest.

Behaviour

Usually seen in pairs or small groups.

Diet

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

Breeding

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

References

1. Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
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

Recommended Citation

• BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Copper-tailed Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 18 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Copper-tailed_Starling

External Links

Search for photos of Copper-tailed Starling in the gallery