About Lamprotornis caudatus (Statius Muller, 1776)
The long-tailed glossy starling, with the scientific name Lamprotornis caudatus, is a member of the starling bird family. It is a resident breeder in tropical Africa, ranging from Senegal eastward to Sudan. This common passerine bird typically lives in open woodland and cultivated areas. It builds its nest in a hole, and its usual clutch contains two to four eggs. This widespread bird is gregarious and noisy, producing a harsh grating call. Adult long-tailed glossy starlings measure 54 cm (21 in) in total length. They have metallic green upperparts, violet underparts, and a 34 cm (13 in) long purple tail. Their face is black, and they have yellow eyes. The sexes have similar appearance, but juvenile birds are duller, with plumage that has a brownish tone. Like most starlings, the long-tailed glossy starling is omnivorous, feeding on fruit and insects.
