Photo of the Day

two purple glossy starlings at the Kansas City Zoo in Missouri
March 3, 2016

Pearlescent Pair

This portrait of a pair of purple glossy starlings (Lamprotornis purpureus) at the Kansas City Zoo in Missouri was taken for the Photo Ark project by photographer Joel Sartore. Photo Ark is a multiyear National Geographic project with a simple goal—to create portraits of the world’s captive species before they disappear, and to inspire people everywhere to care. The photo collection currently comprises images of more than 5,000 species, but Sartore aims to document the 12,000 captive species worldwide.

Learn more about National Geographic Photo Ark.

Photograph by Joel Sartore
DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE