A REVIEW OF THE BIOLOGY OF THE BLACKBELLIED STARLING AND OTHER AFRICAN FOREST STARLINGS

Abstract

Summary Craig, A.J.F.K. 1989. A review of the biology of the Blackbellied Starling and other African forest starlings. Ostrich suppl. 14: 17–26. The Blackbellied Starling Lamprotornis corruscus is the only true forest starling in southern Africa. At the southern end of its coastal range it is an irregular visitor, and it may move according to food availability. The limited data on breeding, moult and seasonal occurrence are discussed. Only two subspecies are recognised. A brief survey of the 12 African starlings of evergreen forests shows that little is known about their basic biology or their role as highly mobile frugivores.