Superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus) in an aviary. This species is classed as Least Concern (2024) on the IUCN Red List but with a decreasing population trend. It is extant to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, and introduced to the United Arab Emirates (BirdLife International 2017). In situ, forages on the ground for invertebrates (i.e. termites, grasshoppers, caterpillars and beetles) as well as small fruits and nectar (Feare and Craig 1998). It is gregarious and found in fairly large flocks.
Peaks in breeding activity occur in March-April and November-December for East Africa (Feare and Craig 1998). Cooperative breeding has been observed, with juvenile birds helping the adults to construct nests and feed the chicks (Feare and Craig 1998).
Superb starlings may build their own nests, which are roughly constructed from twigs lined with grass and feathers with a side entrance and are sited in thorn trees or holes in trees/cliffs about 1-5-6 m above the ground; they also sometimes take over the nests of other birds such as those of white-headed buffalo-weavers (Dinemellia dinemelli) (Feare and Craig 1998).
The clutch usually consists of about four dark blue eggs, which are incubated for about 12-13 days perhaps by both sexes, however in captivity only females have been observed incubating (Feare and Craig 1998). The nesting period lasts for 18-24 days, and the chicks are fed with invertebrates (especially caterpillars), and sometimes berries (Feare and Craig 1998). Fledglings are fed by parents and helpers for 4-7 weeks after leaving the nest (Oiseaux birds (no date)).
It is threatened by the pet trade.
@alan678.bsky.social This is an archive #photograph for #BirdOfTheDay of a #SuperbStarling for the alternative theme of #ColourfulCaptures. This was in a massive arid based aviary, hence the cacti. #photo #photography #starling #superb #colourful 🪶