20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - PLUM COLOUR STARLING (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster ssp. verreauxi)

The Plum-coloured Starling, also known as the Violet-backed Starling (_Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), is a species found in sub-Saharan Africa with sexually dimorphic plumage. The male has iridescent violet or purple upperparts and a pure white belly, while the female is brown with streaked upperparts and white underparts with dark streaks. This bird is found in woodlands and savanna edges and feeds on fruit, berries, and insects. The subspecies verreauxi is a part of this species. 

Scientific name: Cinnyricinclus leucogaster

Common names: Plum-coloured Starling, Violet-backed Starling, Amethyst Starling

Habitat: Woodlands and forest edges in sub-Saharan Africa

Diet: Fruits, berries, and insects 

Male

Plumage: Iridescent violet to purple back and head, with a pure white belly and vent.

Appearance: The iridescence of the back varies from plum-violet to purple-blue depending on the light. 

Female

Plumage: Brown upperparts with dark streaks, and white underparts with dark central streaks.

Appearance: The streaks on the underparts are broadest on the breast.