Bird Guide

Cape Starling

Lamprotornis nitens

Least ConcernOmnivoreGrasslandCavity nestMedium · 86 g

About the Cape Starling

The Cape starling, also known as red-shouldered glossy-starling or Cape glossy starling, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Southern Africa, where it lives in woodlands, bushveld and in suburbs.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

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The Cape starling has an adult length of about 25 cm (10 in) and weight of about 100 grams (3.5 oz). The plumage of an adult bird is a fairly uniform bright, glossy colour. The head is blue with darker ear coverts and the upper parts of the body are greenish-blue. It has a lengthy warbling song which may include an imitation of sounds it hears in its environment.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Cape Starling lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Spain.

When to see the Cape Starling

Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Cape Starling vs Pied Starling

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