Close-up of a Superb Starling with iridescent blue feathers and white breast band near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro: Meet My First Subject
Arrived at Kilimanjaro safely today. Trying to stay awake by playing with a new (used) camera body, lens, and a Superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus)!
You might wonder: why is this bird officially “Superb”? After spending an hour tracking one through the lens, the answer is clear.
It’s All About the Color
The iridescent plumage is breathtaking. Flashes of metallic blue, black, and green meet the eye at every turn. Because their color comes from the structure of their feathers rather than pigments, the sheen across their chest, back, and wings seems to shift and transform depending on how the sunlight hits it.
The “Necklace”: Unlike their look-alike cousins, adults have a distinct white breast band that separates their shimmering blue chest from a fiery orange belly.
Note: For more on their look-alikes, see our post “Hildebrandt’s Starling: The Colorful African Cousin of the Common Starling”
Piercing Eyes: They sport striking creamy-white eyes that give them a sharp, alert, and slightly mischievous expression.
Personality & Attitude
These birds aren’t just eye candy; they are incredibly social and smart. They live in large, chatty flocks and are famously unafraid of humans, often hopping around picnic sites or safari vehicles with bold curiosity. They are the perfect “welcoming committee” for any African expedition.
See the Superb Starling for Yourself
You really need to see one in person to believe the intensity of their colors. They are living, flying gemstones of the savanna.
2026 Update: Our February expedition is officially SOLD OUT. All seats are taken!
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