🦜 The purple starling (Lamprotornis purpureus), also known as the purple glossy starling, is a striking member of the starling family native to tropical Africa, ranging from Senegal to Sudan and western Kenya. These stocky, 22-23 cm birds exhibit remarkable sexual monomorphism with metallic purple heads and bodies contrasted by glossy green wings and distinctive yellow eyes. Juveniles display duller gray underparts with brown irises, developing their iridescent plumage as they mature.⁠ ⁠ Purple starlings are omnivorous cavity nesters, typically laying 2-4 pale blue eggs in tree holes or artificial structures. Males establish territories and begin nest construction to attract females, who then complete the lining with softer materials. Their gregarious nature leads to communal foraging in open woodlands and cultivated areas, where they consume both fruits and insects. Currently classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, these adaptable birds demonstrate typical starling intelligence an...