Lamprotornis iris

(Oustalet, 1879)

Vernacular names
English : Emerald starling
French : Choucador iris

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Sturnidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 21 cm in length, weight unknown. Unmistakable, no sexual dimorphism. Plumage almost entirely glossy metallic green. Dark eyes, black lores. Violet ear patch and belly. Thin black bill, dark grey legs.

Range and habitat
The species is found in western Africa, in south Guinea, north Sierra Leone and central Ivory Coast. Lives in savanna woodlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a small range and was very poorly known until recently. Seems safe so far but capture for trade could be a threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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