Photo © by Joseph Morlan
WW II Memorials, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, 8 September 2019
- Aplonis opaca
Identification
Length: 23-24 cm (9- 9½ in) A rather large starling with a short tail.
- Entirely black plumage with some green iridescence on head, mantle, back and wing-coverts
- Yellow eye
- Black bill and legs
Sexes similar, females slightly smaller and duller. Juveniles have brown eyes and grey streaks on their breast. As they become older, their eyes turn golden and shiny black feathers start to grow.
Variations
The different subspecies differ in bill size and colour of gloss.
Distribution
Several islands in Micronesia in the southern Pacific.
Common on most islands. Heavy decline on Guam due to the introduction of the Brown Tree-Snake.
Taxonomy
Seven subspecies recognized:
- A. o. aenea on the northern Northern Mariana Islands (Alamagan, Pagan, Agrihan, Asuncion)
- A. o. guami on the southern Northern Mariana Islands (Guam, Rota, Tinian, Saipan)
- A. o. orii on Palau Islands (Angaur, Ngabad, Peleliu, Ngesebus, Garakayo, Koror, Babelthuap, Kayangel)
- A. o. kurodai on Yap (extreme western Caroline Islands)
- A. o. anga on Caroline Islands (Nukuoro, Lukunor, Chuuk, Lamotrek, Ifalik, Woleai, Faraulep, Fais, Ulithi)
- A. o. ponapensis on Pohnpei (and Kapingamarangi Atoll) in eastern Carolines
- A. o. opaca on Kosrae, extreme eastern Carolines
Habitat
Forests and disturbed areas including villages. Occurs from sea-level up to mountain tops.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds on fruits and seeds, takes also insects and eggs of different seabirds (like Black Noddy or Red-footed Booby).
Usually seen in small flocks.
Breeding
A monogamous species. They nest in hollowed out areas in coconut palms or other trees. Up to 4 greenish eggs are laid and incubated by both parents.
Vocalisaiton
Calls are varied slurred whistles and gurgling sounds. The song is usually delivered from high perch is an elaboration of call notes but with no consistent pattern.
Movements
Resident.
Gallery
Click images to see larger version
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2019. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- 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
- Craig, A. & Feare, C. (2019). Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/60846 on 30 October 2019).
- Pratt, H.D., Bruner, P., and Berrett, D.G. (1987) A Field Guide to the Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific. Princeton University Press
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Micronesian Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 6 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Micronesian_Starling
