Lamprotornis regius

(Reichenow, 1879)

Vernacular names
English : Golden-breasted starling
French : Choucador royal

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

Identification
Adults can reach up to 30 cm in length for a weight of 63 g. Unmistakable. Very long narrow tail, bright yellow eyes. Plumage entirely iridescent. Head is dark blue-green, breast is violet, wings and back violet blue, yellow belly.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in Eastern Africa, from south and east Ethiopia to east Kenya and north-east Tanzania. Lives in semi-arid bushland and savannas, up to 1200 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains common in its range because it habits far from populated regions and lives in many protected areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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