From Opus

Aplonis tabuensis

Photo by Ian_M
Subspecies A. t. vitiensis, photographed at Monasavu Dam, Viti Levu, Fiji

[edit] Identification

19cm (7.5in). Grey-brown bird. Geographic variations.

Fiji: Upperparts dark ashy-brown. Darker with a faint crown gloss. Underparts lighter grey-buff with distinct pale streaking. Lower abdomen and chin pale buff. Stubby bill. Legs and iris dark brown. Broad, rounded wings.

Niuas Niuas (Tonga), Samoa, Wallis and Futuna, Southern Lau (Fiji) Darker all over. Iris bright yellow.

Only in Northern Lau is there a clear mixed zone of yellow and brown irises.

Polynesian Starlings are widespread but not abundant. In Samoa, the Samoan Starling is far more common. However, the Polynesian Starling can be found on the smallest islet. It is only absent from Tuvalu and Tokelau within the Western Polynesian region. Threats include habitat loss (which may not be significant as once thought, as the Starlings adapt quickly) and introduced predators. A new threat comes from introduced bird species, such as Mynahs and European Starlings.

[edit] Distribution

Regional Near-endemic.

[edit] Taxonomy

Family: Sturnidae. Aplonis tabuensis (J. F. Gmelin, 1788). There are ten subspecies: A.t. tabuensis (Tonga, Fiji), A.t. tenebrosus and A.t. nesiotes (Tonga) A.t. brunnescens (Niue), A.t. manuae (Manu'a in American Samoa), A.t. tutuilae (Tutuila in American Samoa), A.t. brevirostris (Samoa), A.t. fortunae (Futuna) and A.t. rotumae (Rotuma in Fiji), A.t. vitiensis, A.t. pachyramphus, A.t. tucopiae. Outside of Western Polynesia, found only on the island of Santa Cruz (Solomon Islands).

[edit] Habitat

Common in all kinds of habitats, provided a few trees or bushes are present. Usually occurs in pairs, but small flocks are not rare.

[edit] Behaviour

This bird feeds in flocks, generally in the canopy of trees. Diet includes berries and fruits, and occasionally insects. It builds nests in tree holes or rotten stimps. 2 light blue, speckled brown eggs are usually laid. It breeds from August to January.

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