Purple Starling
Lamprotornis purpureus
The Purple Starling (Lamprotornis purpureus) is a rare rhabdornis, starlings, and myna found in 25 countries, weighing about 113 g. The purple starling, also known as the purple glossy starling, is a member of the starling family of birds.
About the Purple Starling
The purple starling, also known as the purple glossy starling, is a member of the starling family of birds.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The adults of these stocky 22–23 cm long birds have a metallic purple head and body, and glossy green wings. They have a short tail and a yellow eye. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are much duller, with grey underparts and a brown iris.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Spain, United Kingdom, Congo - Kinshasa, France, Hong Kong SAR China.
When to see it
The Purple Starling can be seen all year round, with peak activity in December. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Purple Starling?
- The adults of these stocky 22–23 cm long birds have a metallic purple head and body, and glossy green wings. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Purple Starling?
- The Purple Starling is a medium sized bird weighing about 113 g.
- Where can you see a Purple Starling?
- The Purple Starling occurs in 25 countries, including Nigeria, the Gambia, Ghana, Senegal and Uganda.
- What birds look similar to a Purple Starling?
- The Purple Starling is most easily confused with the Hildebrandt's Starling, the Splendid Starling and the Chestnut-bellied Starling.
- Is the Purple Starling endangered?
- The Purple Starling is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Purple Starling for real
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