Alternative name: Copper-tailed Glossy Starling
- Hylopsar cupreocauda
Lamprotornis cupreocauda
Identification
A dark, small starling with a short tail. 18cm.
- Glossy deep blue violet
- Copper-brown tail
- Yellow eye
- Black bill and legs
Sexes similar. Juveniles have a sooty-brown plumage, glossy green upperparts and purple gloss on crown.
Distribution
Occurs in Western Africa from Sierra Leone east to southeast Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Generally common but probably declining in its range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Formerly placed in genus Lamprotornis.
Habitat
Edge of forest, forests, riverine and gallery forest.
Behaviour
Usually seen in pairs or small groups.
Diet
The diet includes insects, fruit (often figs), and berries. Forages mainly in the canopy.
Breeding
It makes its nest in dead tree cavities. One pair was observed with three fledglings.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
- Avibase
- BirdLife International
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Copper-tailed Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 14 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Copper-tailed_Starling
