Polynesian Starling

Overview

The Polynesian starling (Aplonis tabuensis) is a species of starling found across a wide range in the Pacific, including the Samoan Islands, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, the Santa Cruz Islands, and Wallis and Futuna. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Plumage: Varies by subspecies, with some darker and some lighter in coloration.
• Vocalisation: Produces a raspy buzz or rattle as its call.
• Behaviour: Less conspicuous in areas where the Samoan starling is present, often keeping to the forest.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests and tropical moist forests. Its range extends across the Samoan Islands, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, the Santa Cruz Islands, and Wallis and Futuna.

Diet

The Polynesian starling feeds on fruit and insects. On islands where the Samoan starling is present, it keeps to the forest and feeds on harder, less edible fruit.

Did you know?

The species was formally described in 1788 by Johann Friedrich Gmelin, who initially placed it with the shrikes in the genus Lanius based on a specimen from Tongatapu that had previously been described as the 'Tabuan shrike'.