The amethyst starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), also known as the plum-coloured starling or violet-backed starling, is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Sturnidae bird family group which includes birds such as Starlings, Mynans, Oxpeckers. Amethyst Starlings inhabit woodland, savanna forest edges and riverine habitat. Much if their time is spent in the treetops in the wild and are rarely seen on the ground. Amethyst Starlings are sexually dimorphic, females are brown. It is the smallest of the Southern African starlings, reaching only about 18cm in length.The breeding male is brilliantly coloured, with feathers an iridescent shining plum violet colour along the length of is back, wings, face and throat, contrasting with bright white on the rest of the body. Females (and juveniles) are a streaky brown and buff colour, and can easily be mistaken for a thrush.
