Greater Blue-eared Starling

Identification

The Greater Blue-eared Starling is a compact bird measuring 22 cm in length with a distinctively short tail. Its plumage is glossy blue-green overall, with a striking purple-blue belly and a bright blue ear patch that gives the species its name. The iris is notably bright yellow or orange, providing a vivid focal point for photographers. The sexes are similar in appearance, making this species straightforward to identify in the field. Juveniles are duller than adults, with blackish-brown underparts that gradually develop into the iridescent plumage of mature birds.

The Greater Blue-eared Starling can be distinguished from its close relative, the Lesser Blue-eared Starling, by the extent of blue on the belly—in the Greater Blue-eared, the blue extends well forward of the legs, whereas in the Lesser it does not. The bird produces a range of musical and grating calls, with the most recognizable being a distinctive nasal "squee-ar" sound.

Range & Habitat

This species has an extensive range across Africa, breeding from Senegal in the west eastward to Ethiopia, and southward through eastern Africa to northeastern South Africa and Angola. Four subspecies are recognized across this distribution: L. c. chalybaeus in the Sahel region, L. c. cyaniventris in northeastern Africa, L. c. nordmanni in southern Africa, and L. c. scyobius in central and East Africa. Notably, populations from southern Kenya southwards are generally smaller than their northern counterparts.

The Greater Blue-eared Starling is a very common inhabitant of open woodland environments and undertakes some seasonal migration throughout its range, making it a reliable sighting for travellers exploring African savannas and woodland regions during the appropriate seasons.

Behaviour & Diet

This species is highly gregarious, forming large flocks that often associate with other starling species. These birds are renowned for their communal roosting behaviour, gathering in reedbeds, thorn bushes, or acacia trees, sometimes sharing these sites with other species. Like all starlings, the Greater Blue-eared is an omnivore with a varied diet comprising invertebrates, seeds, and berries, with a particular fondness for figs. However, insects obtained from the ground make up the bulk of its diet.

An interesting behavioural adaptation is the species' habit of perching on livestock to feed on insects disturbing the animals and occasionally removing ectoparasites, a mutually beneficial arrangement. The Greater Blue-eared Starling nests in tree cavities—either natural holes or those excavated by woodpeckers and barbets—and will also opportunistically use the large stick nests of sacred ibises or Abdim's storks. Clutches typically contain three to five greenish-blue eggs with brown or purple spots, which hatch in 13–14 days, with chicks fledging around 23 days later. The species is parasitised by the Great Spotted Cuckoo and occasionally by the Greater Honeyguide.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Greater Blue-eared Starling's status as a very common woodland bird makes it accessible to most travellers exploring open woodland habitats across its broad African range. The species undertakes seasonal migration, so timing visits to coincide with breeding season in your target region will increase sighting opportunities and allow observation of breeding behaviour. Open woodland habitats from the Sahel region through East Africa to southern Africa offer excellent possibilities for encountering this species.

Photography Tips

The brilliant blue-green plumage and bright yellow or orange iris of the Greater Blue-eared Starling make it a rewarding photographic subject. Early morning light will enhance the glossy, iridescent qualities of its blue-green and purple-blue feathers. Since the bird is highly gregarious and often found in flocks, photographers should anticipate opportunities to capture group behaviour and communal roosting scenes, particularly around dawn and dusk. The bird's habit of perching on livestock provides unique behavioural photography opportunities. Remember that juveniles display duller plumage than adults, offering a different photographic aesthetic if documentation of age variation is desired.