Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Golden-breasted starling
Latin Name: Cosmopsarus regius

Class: Birds
Order:    Passeriformes

Description
Named for its striking coloration, the golden-breasted starling has metallic blue wings, a yellow breast and belly, a violet throat and a vibrant green head.

Range
Northeastern Africa

Status
Common

Habitat
Savannas and dry-thorn forests

Niche
The golden-breasted starling’s diet is composed almost entirely of insects. Adult birds catch insects in flight and dig up termite mounds to find prey.

Life History
The golden-breasted starling lives in family groups of 3–12 individuals in the wild. Females lay their eggs in tree holes abandoned by woodpeckers, lining the nest with straw and leaves. Entire family groups cooperate in raising young by gathering food and nesting materials.

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