Image via Macaulay Library
Lesser Blue-eared Starling
- Scientific name
- Lamprotornis chloropterus
- Family
- Sturnidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Woodland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Lesser Blue-eared Starling, classified within the Lamprotornis genus, is native to the savanna regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The species was first formally described by British ornithologist William John Swainson in 1838. Like many members of the African glossy starling family, it evolved to fill an ecological niche as an insectivore, characterized by its pointed wings and distinctively notched tail, which facilitate agile flight patterns suitable for navigating both open grasslands and wooded acacia belts.
The species is identified by its iridescent plumage, a signature trait of the Lamprotornis group that results from structural coloration rather than pigmentation. Its design is an evolutionary adaptation for mate signaling and camouflage within fluctuating light conditions. While not as widely represented in historical taxidermy collections as its larger relatives, it has long been studied by field ornithologists for its complex social structures and seasonal migration patterns across the African continent.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Lesser Blue-eared Starling
Lesser Blue-eared Starling is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Lesser Blue-eared Starling on collecto.rs?
Lesser Blue-eared Starling doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Lesser Blue-eared Starling?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Lesser Blue-eared Starling catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Lesser Blue-eared Starling is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
