Wild & Beautiful, Welcome

Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Genus: Cinnyricinclus
Species: C. leucogaster


Identification
Length approximately 6.5 inches.  Weight averages 1.5 ounces.  The male’s head and throat are an iridescent metallic purple that continues through the back and tail regions.  Wings diverge into a deeper purplish blue.  Breast and belly are white and occasionally lightly streaked.  Female has same pattern, but is less conspicuous than male with a drab brown head and back with a white belly that is heavily streaked.  Juveniles closely resemble females.  Eyes are yellow.

Habitat
Forested and wooded areas where there is ample fruit to forage as well as fields and gardens.  Has also been known to thrive in dry bush areas where fig trees are present.