AMETHYST STARLINGS: mixed-aviary breeding success
THE 2021 season at ZSL London Zoo again saw a host of different species being successfully bred, not least of which have been two clutches of Socorro doves (Zenaida graysoni). (For details, see “Rare doves last seen in the wild in 1972 hatch at ZSL London Zoo”, Cage & Aviary Birds, October 6 2021). More visually stunning, and more challenging to breed, however, has been the amethyst starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), which is also sometimes known as the violet-backed starling or plum-coloured starling.
Males of this species have striking iridescent purple heads and upperparts, with a white underside ; females lack iridescence and have streaky brown coloration on their upperparts and a white underside sporting brown streaks and.
