Violet-backed Starling

(C. l. verreauxi) Ad male: Upper parts iridescent purple; purple coloration varies from dark to rosy depending on light. Strong blue overtone in fresh plumage, worn feathers more coppery. Primary coverts dark brown, edged purple; other coverts iridescent purple. Flight feathers blackish brown, outer webs of secondaries broadly edged purplish. Wings appear dark brown when worn. Axillaries and underwing coverts dark brown. Chin and throat iridescent purple, remainder of underparts white. Bill black. Eyes brown, iris with yellow outer ring. Legs and feet black.

Ad female: Lacks any iridescent plumage. Forehead to nape and sides of head brown, feathers with dark central streaks. Mantle, rump, tail and wings dark brown, feathers with paler rufous margins. Primaries with rufous-brown inner webs. Underparts white, with dark central feather streaks, broadest on breast.

Juv: As female, but with broader rufous edges to feathers, particularly wing coverts. Bill dark brown, gape yellowish. Eyes brown. Legs and feet dark brown.

Confusing species: Female could be mistaken for a thrush or chat; however, combination of streaky brown back, white, heavily streaked underparts and yellowish eye diagnostic.

Author:AJFK Craig