Birds · Passeriformes · Sturnidae

Superb Starling

Lamprotornis superbus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The superb starling is probably the most photographed bird on East African safaris: a metallic deep blue back and head, an intensely orange breast separated from the blue by a crisp white line, and pale yellow eyes. It is abundant, confiding and highly visible around camps and lodges. It practises cooperative breeding: up to half a dozen helpers feed the chicks of a single breeding pair.

Weight

61 g – 70 g

Size

18 cm – 19 cm

Lifespan

15 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

SavannaGrasslandOmnivore Diurnal In pairs Bird Savanna Grassland

43countries 24parks6same family

Fun facts

GeneralMetallic blue with an orange belly; it is the most conspicuous bird on any East African safari.
Its colonies practise a social reciprocity measured over the long term: a twenty-year study in Kenya showed that individuals who help to raise young receive help in return years later, even between unrelated birds.
It suffers brood parasitism from the greater honeyguide and other birds, and a notable share of the broods the groups raise contains chicks of other species.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Open savannah, acacia woodland, farmland and camps of East Africa
Birth weight: Altricial: born blind, naked or with sparse down and entirely dependent
Size at birth: Altricial: born blind, naked or with sparse down and entirely dependent
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 14 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 4 eggs