Cape glossy starling

Introduction: Cape glossy starlings (Lamprotornis nitens) gather in small groups and at times in flocks to roost or feed in a wide variety of habitats. This includes wooded savannah, forest edges, plantations, parks, gardens and riverine bush.

Distribution: Widespread and common throughout Namibia less for the southern Namib Desert and other areas that lack surface water.
Diet: Hops and runs along the ground in search of fruit and insects. Eats termites, wasps, beetles, millipedes, caterpillars, weevils and grasshoppers. Feeds near or on the backs of impalas, white rhinoceros, sable antelope and gemsbok for insects.

Description: A glossy blue head with blue-green upperparts, wings and tail. Nitens is a Latin word for 'shining' or 'bright'.
Breeding: Both male and female build a nest in the natural cavity of a tree, or an old woodpecker hole. From 2 to 6 eggs are laid from September to February.

Size: 25cm.

Weight: 90g.