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Burchell's Starling is a large, iridescent blue-green starling found in southern African savannas, known for its long, rounded tail and habit of foraging on the ground or scavenging for food near humans. It is a monogamous, sedentary species that breeds in tree cavities and feeds on invertebrates, fruit, and berries. Burchell's Starling's name honors the English naturalist William John Burchell.
Appearance and identification Color: Large, with an iridescent blue-green to purple glossy plumage.Distinguishing features: Has a long, rounded tail and a blue-green forehead and crown.Size: Approximately \(30\) cm long, weighing about \(74\)–\(138\) g.
Habitat and range Habitat: Dry and mesic woodlands and savannas in southern Africa, particularly near large thorn trees.Range: Found in countries including Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia. Behavior and diet Foraging: Often forages on the ground, walking with long strides, and also perches in trees.
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Diet: Omnivorous, eating insects, other invertebrates, fruit, berries, and sometimes scavenging for scraps near human settlements like picnic sites.Social behavior: Typically seen alone, in pairs, or small flocks.
Breeding Nesting: Nests are built in tree cavities and lined with materials like grass, leaves, feathers, and snake skins.Eggs: Lays \(2\)–\(4\) eggs, with incubation by the female for about \(14\) days.Parental care: Both parents feed the chicks after they hatch, and the young leave the nest around three weeks of age.
