Violet-backed StarlingCinnyricinclus leucogaster WitborsspreeuTurdus leucogaster Boddaert, 1783, Tabl. Pl. Enlum., p39; no locality = Ouidah (Benin), vide Gmelin, 1789, Syst. Nat., 1(2):819. leucogaster (Gr) = white belly. |
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Male in courtship display Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, Dec 2008 Photo Hugh Chittenden (D) |
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BREEDING: Monogamous, solitary nester13. 1 record of 2 male and 1 female feeding chicks11, but not normally a cooperative breeder. In presumed courtship, male perched near nest hole, giving squeaky song, raising wings alternately, and leaning forward and wing-flapping. Female in captivity approached male while beating wings4. Nest: In tree hole, 2-6 m above ground19; also in hollow fence posts2. Cavity usually 230-450 mm depth, 70-100 mm internal diam25. Made of coarse plant material. Dung lining base of cavity possibly used as platform in deep hole17; green leaves (brought by both sexes), incl leaves of olive trees (Olea spp)24, often only other nesting material21,27. Sometimes reused in successive seasons25. Laying dates: Namibia peak Feb-Mar2. Botswana Oct-Feb22; Zimbabwe and S Africa Oct-Jan22. Eggs: 2-4 (2.6, n = 35)18. Oval. Pale blue, spotted with reddish brown, particularly at obtuse end. Size (n = 85) 22.9-26.7 x 15.5-19.2 mm (24.5 x 17.4 mm)18. Mass (n = 2) 3.5 g, 3.6 g19. Incubation: Period 12-14 d; by female only in captivity1. Development & care of young: Newly hatched young undescribed. Fed by both ads, primarily on insects1. In captive birds, male contributed less to feeding than female21; in 1 case male did most feeding4. Nestling period 17-21 d18; 26 d in captivity4. Breeding success: Rarely double-brooded19. 1 record of parasitism by Lesser Honeyguide9; may be parasitised by Greater Honeyguide. |
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Male quivering wings as courtship display Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo Hugh Chittenden (D) |
Wing flagging display Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, Dec 2008 Photo Hugh Chittenden (D) |
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Female with nesting material Photo Albert Froneman |
Female incubating Amatikulu, KwaZulu-Natal Photo Guy Upfold (D) |
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Male with nesting material Zebula, Limpopo, Nov 2008 Photo Alan Knott-Craig (D) |
Nest and eggs Amatikulu, KwaZulu-Natal Photo Guy Upfold (D) |
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Hatchlings Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo Hugh Chittenden (D) |
Nestlings 4 days old Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, Dec 2008 Photo Hugh Chittenden (D) |
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Chicks 11 days old Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo Hugh Chittenden (D) |
Chick forced to fledge by red mite infestation Amatikulu, KwaZulu-Natal Photo Guy Upfold (D) |
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Female with prey at nest hole Stone Hills, Zimbabwe Photo Richard Peek (D) |
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