Greater blue-eared starling

The greater blue-eared starling, also known as the greater blue-eared glossy-starling, is a vibrant bird that inhabits a vast expanse of Africa, from Senegal and Ethiopia down to South Africa and Angola. It thrives in open woodlands and even exhibits some seasonal migration.

Measuring about 22 cm in length, this bird is a visual delight with its glossy blue-green feathers, a purple-blue belly, and a distinctive blue patch around its ears. Its eyes are bright yellow or orange, adding to its striking appearance. Both male and female starlings look alike, though the younger birds tend to display duller colors.

In southern Kenya and further south, starling populations are slightly smaller and are sometimes considered a different subspecies called *L. c. sycobius*. These birds are closely related to the lesser blue-eared starling but can be distinguished by the amount of blue on their bellies. One of their most recognizable calls is a nasal "squee-ar."

When it comes to nesting, greater blue-eared starlings prefer tree holes, often utilizing natural cavities or those made by woodpeckers. Occasionally, they even take over nests of other birds, such as the sacred ibis or Abdim's stork. Their nests usually contain three to five eggs, which hatch in about 13-14 days. The chicks leave the nest roughly 23 days after hatching. However, these birds can fall victim to brood parasites like the great spotted cuckoo and occasionally the greater honeyguide.

These starlings are very social and often form large flocks, sometimes mingling with other starling species. They roost in various locations, including reedbeds, thorn bushes, or acacia trees. As omnivores, their diet is quite diverse, ranging from invertebrates and seeds to berries, with insects comprising a major part of their diet. They’re often seen perching on livestock to catch insects stirred up by the animals and sometimes even help remove parasites from the livestock.