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==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| − | This is a [[Dictionary_M- | + | This is a [[Dictionary_M-O#M|monotypic]] species.<br /> |
Placed in genus [[:Category:Hylopsar|Hylopsar]] by Gill and Donsker. | Placed in genus [[:Category:Hylopsar|Hylopsar]] by Gill and Donsker. | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Evergreen lowland forest. Occurs up to 1500m, up to 1800 in eastern parts of range. | Evergreen lowland forest. Occurs up to 1500m, up to 1800 in eastern parts of range. | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
| − | |||
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Sometimes in bigger groups of up to 100 birds.<br /> | Usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Sometimes in bigger groups of up to 100 birds.<br /> | ||
| − | Breeding season differs through range. A [[Dictionary_M- | + | ====Diet==== |
| + | Feeds mainly on fruits, takes also some animal food. | ||
| + | ====Breeding==== | ||
| + | Breeding season differs through range. A [[Dictionary_M-O#M|monogamous]] species. The nest is placed in a tree hole up to 26m above the ground. One reported nest contained 3 eggs. | ||
| + | ====Movements==== | ||
Presumably a resident species with some local movements related to fruit availability. | Presumably a resident species with some local movements related to fruit availability. | ||
| − | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
#{{Ref-Clements6thAug11}}#{{Ref-HBWVol14}} | #{{Ref-Clements6thAug11}}#{{Ref-HBWVol14}} | ||
Revision as of 21:24, 11 July 2014
Alternative name: Purple-headed Starling; Velvet-headed Glossy Starling
- Lamprotornis purpureiceps
Identification
18cm. A small, short-tailed and dark starling.
- Deep glossy purple crown, chin, throat and chest, sharply demarcated from rest of plumage
- Glossy greenish-blue nape, mantle, back and rump
- Iridiscent blue wings, shading to violet on outer margins of primaries
- Black tail with faint purple gloss
- Glossy greenish-blue belly and flanks
- Black undertail-coverts
- Dark brown eye
- Black bill and legs
Sexes similar, juveniles are matt charcoal-grey with some gloss on the wings.
Distribution
Found in Africa from southern Nigeria east to southern Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, western and northern DRC, Uganda and western Kenya. Also south to northern Angola (Cabinda).
Records from Guinea and Ivory Coast need confirmation due possible confusion with very similar Copper-tailed Glossy Starling.
Locally common in much of its range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Placed in genus Hylopsar by Gill and Donsker.
Habitat
Evergreen lowland forest. Occurs up to 1500m, up to 1800 in eastern parts of range.
Behaviour
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Sometimes in bigger groups of up to 100 birds.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruits, takes also some animal food.
Breeding
Breeding season differs through range. A monogamous species. The nest is placed in a tree hole up to 26m above the ground. One reported nest contained 3 eggs.
Movements
Presumably a resident species with some local movements related to fruit availability.
References
- Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
- 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
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Purple-headed Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 20 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Purple-headed_Starling
