The violet-backed starling is truly an impressive bird.
>This bird is relatively small (six inches and weighs about an ounce).
The Violet-backed Starling species can be found in much of sub-Saharan Africa.
They prefer to stay away from the dense rainforest of the Congo Basin.
They are commonly seen in forests and forest margins, or in open forests and clearings.
The violet-backed starling is primarily a migratory bird, although some areas have resident birds.
The female usually builds her nest two meters above the ground, usually in the fork of a tree.
It then incubates a clutch of two to four eggs, blue with reddish or brown spots, for 12 to 14 days.
Fortunately, she does not have to do all the work with her young, as the male will also help feed the chicks until they are fully grown, at approximately 21 days of age.
In nature, color patterns are a key element for sexual selection.
Both sexes of this species couldn’t look more polar opposite if they tried!
The male proudly shows off his suit in violet tones;
The male’s violet back contrasts very well with its white belly.
All, however, share the distinctive dark beak and yellow eyes.
females and young birds have a brown head and back, with a white belly with brown spots.
Listen to the lovely chirps of birds below.
