Burchell's Starling
Afrikaans name: Grootglansspreeu
Burchell's Starlings are normally seen on the ground
Photo © Steven Herbert
Lamprotornis australis
Burchell's Starling is one of the 'glossy' starlings found in South Africa. This is one of the larger species and is also the darkest. It can appear almost black in certain light. It has a black eye.
It is found in many countries in southern Africa.
The main food items for the Burchell's Starling are insects and fruit. It is most often seen on the ground.
Pairs bond for life. They nest in holes in trees.
The Burchells Starling is often seen singly but it can be seen in flocks as well.
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above - Burchell's Starlings are a common sight in Kruger National Park, although they aren't as common as the Cape Glossy Starling and Greater Blue-eared Starling. This one has just caught a frog in a river bed.Roberts Birds Names by Edition
| Edition | Roberts nr | Scientific name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 743 | Chalcopsar australis |
| 2nd | 743 | Lamprotornis australis |
| 3rd | 743 | Lamprotornis australis |
| 4th | 743 | Lamprotornis australis |
| 5th | 762 | Lamprotornis australis |
| 6th | 762 | Lamprotornis australis |
| 7th | 803 | Lamprotornis australis |
| Edition | Roberts nr | English name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 743 | Burchell’s Glossy Starling |
| 2nd | 743 | Burchell’s Glossy Starling |
| 3rd | 743 | Burchell’s Glossy Starling |
| 4th | 743 | Burchell’s Glossy Starling |
| 5th | 762 | Burchell’s Starling |
| 6th | 762 | Burchell’s Starling |
| 7th | 803 | Burchell’s Starling |
| Edition | Roberts nr | Afrikaans name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 743 | Groot-glansspreeu |
| 2nd | 743 | Groot Glansspreeu |
| 3rd | 743 | Burchellse Glansspreeu |
| 4th | 743 | Burchellse Glansspreeu |
| 5th | 762 | Grootglansspreeu |
| 6th | 762 | Grootglansspreeu |
| 7th | 803 | Grootglansspreeu |
References and further reading
Wild Issue 39 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 74Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 76
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 315
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 402
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 368
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 671
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 516
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 669
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 527
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 400
Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 304
Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 384
Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 384
Ian Sinclair s Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 288
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 194
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 74
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 239
Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 198
Birds of Africa south of the Sahara - Author: Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan - Published: 2003 - Page: 602
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 44
Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 107
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 278
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 44
This website features affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.
Copyright Steven Herbert Projects, 2013 - 2025. All rights reserved.
