Lamprotornis caudatus
Long-tailed Glossy Starling
A large (about 54 cm including a long purple tail) starling with metallic green upperparts, violet underparts, a black face and a bright yellow eye. Widespread and common in The Gambia, found in open woodland, cultivated land, and forest edges, often in small flocks feeding on the ground.
Identification
The very long, graduated purple tail combined with the yellow eye separates it from other glossy starlings in the region, such as the shorter-tailed Purple Starling.
Want to see the Long-tailed Glossy Starling?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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