Blue-eared Starling in Zambia (1 Viewer)

[Sborg]

This bird was seen at the south entrance to Kafue NP, Zambia, 25 Nov. 2024, in an area where both Greater and Lesser Blue-eared Starlings are possible.

Is it possible to ID the species from this photo? If so, please state how you made the ID. Thank you.

 

[THE_FERN]

Very difficult for me. Broadly elongated head shape is lesser but the bill is larger (greater), and shape affected by stance. The angle makes it very difficult to judge how far the tail extends beyond the tail (slightly further for greater). Overall, I think I'd go with greater but without certainty

 

[Sborg]

Very difficult for me. Broadly elongated head shape is lesser but the bill is larger (greater), and shape affected by stance. The angle makes it very difficult to judge how far the tail extends beyond the tail (slightly further for greater). Overall, I think I'd go with greater but without certainty

Thank you. The guide listed it as a Greater but I don't know on what basis.

 

[THE_FERN]

They're usually easier when you actually see them cf from isolated photos. Adding to the greater impression is that in lesser the eye often seems big for the head (sometimes bulging)