Starling- Murchison falls National park (1 Viewer)

[Avian conservationUGS]

A very big hello to everyone and Sending you lovely greetings from Kampala Uganda. I am inquiring if anyone can tell me the difference between a lesser Blue-eared startling. Greater Blue-eared starling, Bronze-tailed starling . Which one is this?
What could be this ?

 

[Butty]

Your best guide may be your location. According to edn 1 of the Stevenson field guide (I can't talk for edn 2), the ranges of greater blue-eared starling and bronze-tailed starling don't reach Lake Vic - but I have been told, by one who knows, that the maps in that book are rubbish.

 

[KC Foggin]

It sure is a beautiful Starling Godfrey!

 

[delia todd]

Hi Godfrey and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

Our Opus article for Greater Blue-eared Starling describes some basic differences between the three and you can compare the other two by clicking on the links within that article. I hope this helps.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[THE_FERN]

Your best guide may be your location. According to edn 1 of the Stevenson field guide (I can't talk for edn 2), the ranges of greater blue-eared starling and bronze-tailed starling don't reach Lake Vic - but I have been told, by one who knows, that the maps in that book are rubbish.

But Murchison Falls is a bit to the north... According to ebird, both are possible in both places. With such a difficult pair I don't know how much you trust ebird, though. My first impression was lesser but I wouldn't put money on it.

 

[Indobirder]

But Murchison Falls is a bit to the north... According to ebird, both are possible in both places. With such a difficult pair I don't know how much you trust ebird, though. My first impression was lesser but I wouldn't put money on it.

All 3 are possible according to Stevenson edn1, and seems like the distinctive calls are the best way to ID them...

It may help to have the original photo (not a picture of a picture), and any others of the same bird (if there are more)

 

[Butty]

I see I made the 'mistake' of thinking that the OP's home address (as in the original post!) was the location of the observation - which was clearly, in fact, within the range of all 3 spp. So, all bets are off.

 

[THE_FERN]

I see I made the 'mistake' of thinking that the OP's home address (as in the original post!) was the location of the observation - which was clearly, in fact, within the range of all 3 spp. So, all bets are off.

Yes but see the comments on ebird above (bronze-tailed also apparently recorded from both places too). Back to the op pic... I think I see contrasting (magenta) flanks suggesting lesser

 

[Butty]

Yes but see the comments on ebird above

No such comment present at the time that I made my initial comment.