🔹 Greater Blue-eared Starling

• Bright blue-green body with a deep violet-blue belly.

• Bold orange eyes stand out.

• Look for a clean, even gloss across the whole body.
  
  

🔹 Cape Starling

• Slightly darker blue-green with a purplish belly shimmer.

• Also has orange eyes, but its glow is a bit more subdued than the Greater Blue-eared.

• A bit smaller and more compact.
  
  

🔹 Burchell’s Starling

• More bronzy-purple, with a duller, non-metallic sheen.

• Overall dark and chunky, with blackish eyes.

• Lacks the brilliant iridescence of the others.
  
  

🔹 Superb Starling (East Africa)

• Bright blue back and wings, rich orange belly, and a clear white chest band.

• Distinct white eyes make them pop.

• Flashy and high-contrast - very photogenic!
  
  

🔹 Hildebrandt’s Starling (East Africa)

• Looks like a muted Superb:

• No white chest band

• Reddish-brown eyes, not white

• Same vivid blues and oranges, but eye colour is your best clue.
  
  

🔹 Rüppell’s Starling (East Africa)

• Slender with a dark purplish-blue body.

• Subtle shine, not as glossy or colourful as Superb or Hildebrandt’s.

• Dark eyes, giving it a more shadowy, understated look.

• Elegant but easily overlooked - watch for that sleek silhouette!
  
  

📸 SafariSnaps Tip:
Shiny feathers can be deceiving - focus on eye colour, belly tone, and any chest markings. These little features help separate the stars from the lookalikes!