Golden-breasted starling
Latin Name
Cosmopsarus regius
Class
Birds
Order
Passeriformes
Description
Cosmopsarus regius
Class
Birds
Order
Passeriformes
Description
Named for its striking coloration, the golden-breasted starling has metallic blue wings, a yellow breast and belly, a violet throat and a vibrant green head.
Range
Status
Habitat
Niche
Life History
Northeastern Africa
Status
Common. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Golden-Breasted Starling Species Survival Plan®, a shared management effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Habitat
Savannas and dry-thorn forests
Niche
The golden-breasted starling's diet is composed almost entirely of insects. Adult birds catch insects in flight and dig up termite mounds to find prey.
Life History
The golden-breasted starling lives in family groups of 3-12 individuals in the wild. Females lay their eggs in tree holes abandoned by woodpeckers, lining the nest with straw and leaves. Entire family groups cooperate in raising young by gathering food and nesting materials.
