Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Violet-backed Starling
A small (~17 cm), strikingly plumaged starling of open woodland, riverine forest, and wooded parkland, ranging from Senegal and The Gambia east to Ethiopia/Kenya and south to South Africa. Males are brilliant iridescent plum-violet to purple-blue with a contrasting white belly, while females are streaky brown and white.
Identification
Males are unmistakable: glossy violet/purple-blue upperparts and head with a clean white belly and vent. Females lack any violet gloss, instead showing brown upperparts and dense dark streaking on a whitish underside.
Want to see the Violet-backed 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 fully guided private birding tour combining the best of coastal and inland Gambia with the forests, wetlands and wildlife-rich landscapes of Eastern Senegal, including Niokolo-Koba National Park. Designed for serious birders seeking Gambian specialities, Sahelian species, woodland birds and waterbirds, at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
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