Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus
Uhuru Park, Nairobi, Kenya, November 2006

Endemic to NE Africa, the aptly-named Superb Starlings are abundant across parts of their huge range and are commonly found in parks and gardens as well as in less urban settings. These were all photographed (except for the last bird) in Nairobi’s crowded, city-centre Uhuru Park and were quite approachable, hopping around the feet of people dozing in the sunshine much like sparrows and ‘common starlings’ in Europe or the US. Identification is relatively straightforward, but the white vents, white eyes, and white band across the breast of the adults is diagnostic.

 

 

 

 

Adult Superb Starlings - sexes are alike.

 

 

Juvenile Superb Starlings - note lack of white breast band and dark eye

 

 

Adult Superb Starling - Nairobi, June 2006: carrying food for a nesting juvenile near Nairobi NP

All photos copyright Charlie Moores