Black-bellied Starling

Afrikaans name: Swartpensglansspreeu

Photo © Steven Herbert

Lamprotornis corruscus

The Black-bellied Starling is one of the five species of "glossy" starling found in South Africa. In the areas that it is found in South Africa the Cape Glossy Starling is the only other species that it could be confused with.

Black-bellied Starlings are most often found in forest and woodland with large trees. Flocks of them can be sitting in the canopy of the tree. They are very vocal which gives away their presence.

They normally occur in pairs during the breeding season and small flocks outside of it.

Black-bellied Starlings are fond of fruit but also eat some flowers and insects.

They breed in spring and early summer. They make their nests in natural holes or in abandoned nest-holes from other species. Between 2 and 4 eggs are laid.

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References and further reading

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 74

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 194

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 676

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 674

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 400

List of South African Birds