Singing Starling

Photo by mehd halaouate
Biak, Papua, Indonesia, October 2004

Alternative name: Little Starling

Aplonis cantoroides

Identification

18cm. A medium-sized Starling.

• Black plumage with strong green iridiscence
• Black wing and tail with some iridiscence
• Red or orange eye
• Bristly forehead feathers, feathers of crown and throat hackled
• Black bill and legs

Sexes similar. Juveniles have a dark brown crown and upperparts, pale buff throat hackles with dark brown shafts, a buff vent and a brown eye.

Similar species

Metallic Starling has a longer tail and is larger.

Distribution

Found on New Guinea (including some satellite islands), West Papuan Islands, Aru Islands, Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Islands. Also on Boigu island (Queensland, Australia).
Widespread and common.

Taxonomy

A monotypic^[1] species.
May form a superspecies with Tanimbar Starling.

Habitat

Forest edges, gardens and cultivated areas with trees, urban areas and coconut groves. Occurs mainly in lowlands, recorded up to 1700m.

Behaviour

Usually in pairs or small flocks. Often associates with Metallic Starling.

Diet

Feeds on fruits (especially figs, papaya and bird's-eye chili), takes sometimes insects.

Breeding

A monogamous species, often breeding in colonies. They nest in tree-hollows, cliffs and buildings. Lays 2-3 pale blue eggs.

Movements

Possible altitudinal movements recorded. Juveniles may be nomadic.

References

1. Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
2. Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507

• List of references

Recommended Citation

• BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Singing Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 23 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Singing_Starling

External Links

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