Fauna
Bird

Rüppell's Starling

Lamprotornis purpuroptera

Also known as Rueppell's Glossy-Starling, Rueppell's Long-Tailed Starling, Purple-Tailed Starling

Rüppell's starlings are striking, long-tailed glossy birds that sweep across East African savannas in noisy social groups. Their iridescence shifts from violet-purple to deep blue-green depending on the angle of sunlight, contrasting sharply with pale yellow eyes. Pairs and small flocks vocalize with a complex array of harsh squeaks, fluid whistles, and chatter while foraging on the ground or in thorny acacia trees.

GlossySavannaVocal
Rüppell's Starling reference1 / 3
(c) Stefan Haag, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyTermites, Beetles, Berries
Predators
  • Raptors
  • Snakes
  • Domestic Cats
ThreatsLocal habitat loss and tree clearing
HabitatsWooded savanna, open thornbush, riverine woodland, cultivated land
Life span8–15 years
Classification
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilySturnidae
  3. GenusLamprotornis
  4. SpeciesLamprotornis purpuroptera
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for long-tailed silhouettes gliding low between acacia trees in morning light.
  • Listening: Listen for harsh squeaks and fluid whistling duets echoing from tree canopies.
  • Photography: Use high shutter speeds in bright sunlight to capture full feather iridescence.
Related species
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