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Tuesday, 7 December 2021

2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - GREATER BLUE EARED STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)


The Greater Blue-eared Starling is a medium-sized bird from sub-Saharan Africa known for its iridescent blue-green plumage, dark ear-patch, and bright yellow to orange eyes. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruit and insects, and are highly social, often forming large flocks. Their distinctive call is a nasal "squee-ar". 

Appearance
Size: About 22 cm long with a short tail.
Plumage: Glossy blue-green body with iridescent blue to purple flanks and belly. The feathers' color shifts with the light.
Distinctive features: A dark, mask-like patch around the eyes and a bright yellow or orange iris.
Sexes: Are similar in appearance, though juveniles are duller and have brown underparts. 

Diet
Omnivorous: Eats a variety of food, including fruit, insects, seeds, and nectar.
Foraging: Often forages on the ground and in trees.