This spectacular, loud, East African endemic reaches the southern limit of its range in Tanzania. West of the Rift Valley it was fairly common and conspicuous around the lodges, occasionally entering dining areas to forage on scraps. This individual is raising its head drinking. A variety of English names and spellings have been used for this species including Rüppell's Long-tailed Starling, Rüppell's Long-tailed Glossy Starling, Rüppell's Starling (IOC & HBW) and Ruppell's Starling (ABC).
The scientific name has been incorrectly spelled L. purpuropterus (e.g. Peters, Sibley & Monroe) for gender agreement. Although purpuroptera may look like a latinized Greek adjective it is actually a latinized Greek noun. Thus the original spelling is to be retained without changing the gender ending. The correct name remains Lamprotornis purpuroptera Rüppell 1845. [Reference]
Nikon P510 Coolpix Point-and-shoot