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Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica)

Metallic Starling

Aplonis metallica

Least Concern

Overview

The metallic starling, or shining starling (Aplonis metallica), is a bird in the starling family native to the Moluccas, New Guinea, Queensland and the Solomon Islands. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

  • Adult plumage is green-glossed black with a long forked tail.
  • Distinctive brilliant red eyes.
  • Immatures appear pale below with dark streaks.

Habitat

Native to the Moluccas, New Guinea, Queensland and the Solomon Islands. They build nests in tall rain forest trees and migrate to Dunk Island in far north Queensland between August and April.

Did you know?

They are not fearful of humans and their activity on the ground, but a loud noise will cause them to fly out in a tight formation, circle, then return to their nests.

Sources