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Rüppell's Starling Lamprotornis purpuroptera

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Identification

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A large, fairly long-tailed dark and glossy starling. Sometimes looks black, but in good light, shows iridescence that is mostly purple, with a green wing and a maroon belly. Found in moist savanna, woodland, gardens, and cultivated areas, often on the ground, typically in small flocks. Especially fond of manicured lawns. Similar to Long-tailed Glossy Starling, but shorter-tailed and more purple overall. The loud and complex vocalizations include a mix of rattles, scratches, and piercing whistles.

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