Long-tailed Glossy Starling

The Long-tailed Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis caudatus) is a member of the starling family of birds. It is a resident breeder in tropical Africa from Senegal east to Sudan.

This common passerine is typically found in open woodland and cultivation. The Long-tailed Glossy Starling builds a nest in hole. The normal clutch is 2 to 4 eggs.

This ubiquitous bird is gregarious and noisy, with a harsh grating call.

The adults of these 54 cm long birds have metallic green upperparts, violet underparts and a 34 cm long purple tail. The face is black with a yellow eye. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller, with a brownish tone to the plumage.

Like most starlings, the Long-tailed Glossy Starling is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit and insects.