Sharpe's Starling
NameSharpe's Starling
Common NameSharpe's Starling
Scientific NamePoeoptera sharpii
FamilySturnidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsAdults have glossy black plumage on the head, back, wings, and tail. The underparts, from the throat to the undertail coverts, are a bright creamy-yellow. The eye is a distinctive bright yellow.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of whistles, chattering notes, and harsher calls, often given from the forest canopy.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east to Uganda and south to Angola, inhabiting tropical moist lowland and montane forests.
Identifying FeaturesGlossy black upperparts, Creamy-yellow underparts, Bright yellow eye, Small size for a starling
Description
Sharpe's Starling is a small, striking starling with a glossy black head and upperparts, contrasting sharply with a creamy-yellow breast and belly. It is an arboreal species, typically found foraging in the canopy of tropical forests.
