African Wildlife & Environment Issue 85

BIRDING

VIOLET-BACKED STARLING

General information

The Violet-backed Cinnyricinclus leucogaster, also known as the Plum-coloured Starling or Amethyst Starling, is a relatively small species (17 cm) in the family Sturnidae and is the only member of the genus. A strikingly sexually dimorphic species, it is found widely in the woodlands and savannah forest edges of mainland sub-Saharan Africa. It is rarely seen on the ground, but usually found in trees and other locations away from the ground, living in small flocks, occasionally segregated into males and females. When breeding they usually live in couples or Starling

Article & Photograps: John Wesson

These spectacular birds are intra-African migrants, common summer visitors that rangers and guests at many parks and lodges welcome and celebrate the annual arrival of these brightly coloured avian jewels. At the end of the breeding season they move north towards the equator where they spend the winter months.

57 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 85 (2024)