One of the smallest species among starlings, the Emerald Starling is distributed in West Africa.

The Emerald Starling feeds on figs, Haronga berries and other fruit, seeds, ants and small insects such as ants.

Genus Coccycolius-Iris Glossy-starling or Emerald Starling (sometimes placed in Lamprotornis)

The Emerald Starling (Coccycolius iris) is also known as the Iris Glossy Starling.

In the Emerald Starling's case, it appears that the species is plentiful enough for the time being, but that it seems that a considerable and possibly unsustainable number of birds being caught for the cage bird trade (BirdLife International 2004).