Abbotts Starling (Poeoptera femoralis)

Subspecies

Genus	Species	subspecies	Breeding Range	Breeding Range 2	Non Breeding Range
Grafisia	femoralis
Poeoptera	femoralis		AF	Kenya, Tanzania

Physical charateristics

Small starling of forest. Black head and breast. White underparts. Bright orange eye.

wingspan min.:	0	cm	wingspan max.:	0	cm
size min.:	16	cm	size max.:	18	cm
incubation min.:	0	days	incubation max.:	0	days
fledging min.:	0	days	fledging max.:	0	days
broods:	0		eggs min.:	0
			eggs max.:	0

Range

Africa : Kenya, Tanzania. Cinnyricinclus femoralis is found in a few montane forest localities in Kenya and northern Tanzania. It is generally scarce and local in forest on Mt Kenya, but common in Kikuyu Escarpment Forest in the southern Aberdare Mountains (375 km2).

Habitat

This little-known frugivore occurs in the canopy of highland forest, being present throughout the year in at least some locations (e.g. the Aberdares), albeit with seasonal fluctuations

Reproduction

Breeding recorded in February, March and October. The nest is placed in a tree hole and 3-5 eggs are laid. No data on incubation or fledging period

Feeding habits

Feeds on fruits and insects. Forages in small flocks, mainly in the canopy.

Conservation

This species has a small range, within which it is generally rare. Its forest habitat is declining in both extent and quality, indicating that its presumably small population is probably declining too. It is therefore considered Vulnerable.

Migration

A resident species with some local movements.