MyKrugerHoliday
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source ↗
Violet-backed Starling
Witborsspreeu · Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
One of Kruger's most beautiful summer migrants, arriving around October and leaving by April, so it is absent in winter. The male glitters iridescent violet above and pure white below, while the female is heavily streaked brown and white. It feeds mainly on fruit and flying insects, often perching prominently on bare branches.
Log your Violet-backed Starling sighting — free →How to identify it
Dazzling male has a glittering violet back and snow-white belly; the streaky brown female looks like a thrush but keeps starling habits.
Where to see it in Kruger
A summer visitor to riverine woodland and tall trees; usually seen high in the canopy, often near fruiting figs.
Did you know
The male flashes purple or plain dark brown depending on which way the light hits his feathers.
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