Least Concern Birds

Violet-backed Starling

Cinnyricinclus leucogaster

Violet-backed Starling, a fruit-eating bird in African savannas and farmlands.

Scientific name	Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Sturnidae
Size	Male: approximately 19-21 cm, weight about 50-65 g; female: slightly smaller, weight about 45-55 g

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How to identify

Male has a bright violet-blue metallic sheen on back and head; abdomen and chest pure white; female is darker, mainly brown with spots; eyes bright yellow; smaller body size, short wingspan in flight

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, open forests, shrubs, and edges of farmland

Diet

Primarily feeds on fruits and berries, also preys on insects and other small invertebrates

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during the day

Where it lives

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya and Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Observe early morning or late afternoon near fruit trees or shrubs; the male’s bright coloration makes identification easier

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture the vivid violet back; choose well-lit times to highlight the metallic sheen

Threats

Habitat destruction and deforestation, local agricultural expansion

Similar species

Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) shows marked sexual dimorphism; distinguished from common starlings mainly by the male’s bright violet back and white belly

📖 how to spot the violet backed starling on safari