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Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca)

Micronesian Starling

Aplonis opaca

Least Concern

Overview

The Micronesian starling (Aplonis opaca) is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae, classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. It is the only native frugivore found on Guam.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical dry and moist lowland forests across Micronesia, ranging from the Northern Mariana Islands to Palau and into eastern Micronesia. They nest in cavities and breed year-round with significant parental involvement.

Diet

Micronesian starlings consume fruit, seeds, occasional insects, and the eggs of seabirds, with a diet that remains consistent year-round. They serve as key seed dispersers in Mariana Islands forests, primarily eating fruit from native plants.

Did you know?

These birds are notably bold around humans, often following people to seabird colonies to steal eggs once the larger seabirds have been scared away. They are known as såli in Chamorro and gapl'uw in Yapese.

Sources