Greater blue eared starling

Introduction: Greater blue-eared starlings (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) spend a fair amount of time hopping around the ground in open savannah woodland and forest savannah. Up to 400 birds can be observed roosting in reedbeds and Acacia trees in the non-breeding season.

Distribution: North and north-eastern ranges of Namibia only including Etosha National Park, the Caprivi Strip and other scattered populations in Kaokoland and the Kavango Region.
Diet: Forages on the ground and in trees for fruits and berries such as figs and the nectar of sisal plants. Also eats insects including grasshoppers and beetles. Has been known to take, frogs, baby mice and small lizards.

Description: Glossy blue-green forehead to rump including the wings.
Breeding: Both male and female of the species line an old barbet or woodpecker nest with dry grass and feathers. From 2 to 5 eggs are laid August to January.

Size: 22cm.

Weight: 90g.