Seneca Park Zoo is home to one golden-breasted starling. It resides in the aviary inside the Animals of the Savanna building.
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status: Least Concern. Although their population trend is stable, they are facing a threat from overcollection for the pet trade.
Golden-breasted starlings are found throughout eastern Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. They prefer arid or semi-arid climates, and are usually found in savannas and shrublands.
Though primarily insectivores, golden-breasted starlings may also eat snails, spiders, seeds and fruit.
The golden-breasted starling is regarded as the most beautiful bird in the world, spurring large-scale capturing for the pet trade.
Their tail makes up about 60% of the bird’s length.
Golden-breasted starlings are cooperative breeders, which means all group members assist with building nests and feeding young.