Emerald Starling

More Information

Physical Description

Emerald starlings were named for their vibrant colors—green, iridescent feathers on their crown, chest, and wings and purple markings on their belly and around their eyes. In the wild, these birds live in flocks of 15–20 members, although they occasionally gather to form larger groups. They build their nest in small holes in tree stumps and tree trunks.

Interesting Fact 1

Emerald starlings catch insects mid-flight and use their strong beak to probe for underground seeds.

Interesting Fact 2

Females possess a brood patch—a spot on their stomach without feathers—that helps them transfer body heat to their eggs.

Interesting Fact 3

They are likely threatened by the illegal wildlife trade and mining activities in parts of their range.