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- Aplonis opaca
Identification
Juveniles have brown eyes, grey streaks on their breasts. As they become older, their eyes turn golden and shiny black feathers start to grow.
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
Behaviour
They nest in hollowed out areas in coconut palms or other trees. Up to 4 greenish eggs are laid and incubated by both parents.
Diet includes fruits, seeds and insects.
