Superb Starling
Lamprotornis superbus
The Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus) is a uncommon rhabdornis, starlings, and myna found in 13 countries, weighing about 65 g. The superb starling is a member of the starling family of birds.
About the Superb Starling
The superb starling is a member of the starling family of birds. It was formerly known as Spreo superbus. They are long-lived birds that can live over 15 years in captivity.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This species is 18 to 19 cm (7.1 to 7.5 in) in height. These small short-tailed starlings have a long narrow bill, robust bodies, strong feet and a distinctive plumage pattern. Their spectacular iridescent plumage is due to the arrangement of melanin granules within the feathers, resulting in structural blues and greens, rather than colors derived from pigments. The appearance of the superb starling is very similar to the Hildebrandt's starling, also found in East Africa. The superb starling is distinguished by having pale creamy-white eyes, as opposed to red eyes in the Hildebrandt's. Voice: The superb starling has a long and loud song consisting of trills and chatters. At midday it gives a softer song of repeated phrases. There are several harsh calls, the most complex, which is described as "a shrill, screeching skerrrreeee-cherrrroo-tcherreeeeeet." Additionally, superb starlings produce warning chirr and a reapeated whit-chor-chi-vii when they are excited.
What the Superb Starling sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Taiwan, Spain, United States, Oman.
When to see it
The Superb Starling can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Superb Starling on live cams
Browse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Superb Starling?
- This species is 18 to 19 cm (7.1 to 7.5 in) in height. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Superb Starling?
- The Superb Starling is a medium sized bird weighing about 65 g.
- Where can you see a Superb Starling?
- The Superb Starling occurs in 13 countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates.
- What does a Superb Starling sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Superb Starling on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Superb Starling?
- The Superb Starling is most easily confused with the Burchell's Starling, the Greater Blue-eared Starling and the Rüppell's Starling.
- Is the Superb Starling endangered?
- The Superb Starling is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Superb Starling for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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