The African Cape Glossy Starling

The African Cape Glossy Starling, also known as the Cape Glossy Starling or the Cape Starling, is a bird species belonging to the Sturnidae family. It is found in the southern part of Africa, mainly in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Namibia. The Cape Glossy Starling is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 22-25 cm in length and weighing approximately 75-90 g.

Behavior and Lifestyle:

Cape Glossy Starlings are highly social birds that live in small flocks of up to 20 individuals. They are diurnal and spend most of their day foraging for food. During the breeding season, they are known to form pairs and defend their territory aggressively. They are also known to be highly vocal, with a wide range of calls and songs that they use to communicate with each other.

Routines and Feeding Habits:

The Cape Glossy Starling is an omnivore and feeds on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and seeds. They have a unique feeding habit of using their strong bills to crack open hard seeds and nuts. They are also known to follow large herbivores, such as cattle and antelopes, to feed on insects that are disturbed by the movement of the large mammals.

Social Dynamics:

Cape Glossy Starlings are highly social and maintain a hierarchical social structure within their flocks. They are known to engage in cooperative breeding, with subordinate birds assisting the dominant breeding pair in rearing their young. They also engage in communal roosting, with several birds gathering together to sleep at night.

Adaptations:

Cape Glossy Starlings are well adapted to the dry and arid environments in which they live. They have a specialized kidney system that allows them to conserve water, and they are able to survive for long periods without drinking. They also have a unique adaptation in their eyes that allows them to see ultraviolet light, which helps them to locate food and identify potential mates.

In conclusion, the Cape Glossy Starling is a highly social bird that lives in small flocks and is adapted to survive in dry and arid environments. They have a unique feeding habit of cracking open hard seeds and nuts and are known to follow large herbivores to feed on insects. They engage in cooperative breeding and communal roosting, and their specialized kidney system and ability to see ultraviolet light are examples of their unique adaptations.