Atoll starling

The atoll starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in northern Melanesia: Green Islands, Nuguria, Ninigo, Hermit Islands and Ontong Java Atoll. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The species nests in holes in trees. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Loading map...

Distribution

Region

Northern Melanesia

Typical Environment

Occurs on scattered atolls and small island groups including the Green (Fead) Islands and Nuguria (Papua New Guinea), and the Ninigo, Hermit, and Ontong Java atolls (Solomon Islands). It occupies subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest, coastal woodland, and groves of coconut and pandanus. The species tolerates semi-modified habitats such as village gardens and plantations, provided large trees remain. Nests are placed in cavities of mature trees and palms, so loss of old-growth trees greatly limits local abundance.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 50 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size18–20 cm

Wing Span28–33 cm

Male Weight0.06 kg

Female Weight0.055 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This island-dwelling starling nests in natural tree cavities and sometimes in old holes in coconut palms, making it dependent on mature trees. It often forages in small groups around village gardens and coastal thickets and helps disperse seeds of native atoll plants. Its limited range across a handful of low coral atolls makes it vulnerable to habitat loss and severe storms. Protecting forest patches with large, old trees is key to its survival.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

direct flight with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often found in pairs or small groups outside the breeding season, moving between forest patches and coconut groves. During breeding, pairs defend nest cavities in trees or palms. They may join mixed-species foraging flocks along forest edges.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A varied mix of clear whistles, chirrs, and harsh chatters delivered from exposed perches in the canopy. Calls carry well over atoll vegetation and are used to keep contact within small groups.

Unlock detailed bird insights with Pro access today.

Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Auckland rail

The Auckland rail, also known as the Auckland Island rail or Auckland Islands rail is a small nearly flightless rail endemic to the Auckland Islands 460 km south of New Zealand. It is somewhat of a biogeographical anomaly, being the only species in the genus Lewinia to have reached the islands of New Zealand, skipping over the main islands to reach the remote Auckland islands group. Its closest relative is Lewin's rail of Australia. The species is currently restricted to two islands in the Auckland islands group, Adams Island and Disappointment Island.

Auckland shag

The Auckland shag or Auckland Islands shag is a species of cormorant from New Zealand. The species is endemic to the Auckland Islands archipelago. It is a sedentary bird that primarily eats various crustaceans and fish. In recent years, roughly 1,000 pairs have been recorded. The Auckland shag is a colonial nester, building sizeable nests of, among other items, grass, twigs and seaweed. The Auckland shag lays three pale blue-green eggs in November–February. The incubation period is 26–32 days.

Auckland teal

The Auckland teal, also known as Auckland Islands teal, is a species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas that is endemic to Auckland Islands south of New Zealand. The species was once found throughout the Auckland Islands, but is now restricted to the islands that lack introduced predators: Adams Island, Enderby Island, Disappointment Island and a few smaller islands. An old report of "the same flightless duck" on North East Island, The Snares group most likely refers to a straggler.

Audouin's gull

Audouin's gull is a large gull restricted to the Mediterranean and the western coast of Saharan Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The genus name is from Ancient Greek ikhthus, "fish", and aetos, "eagle", and the specific audouinii and the English name are after the French naturalist Jean Victoire Audouin.

Audubon's oriole

Audubon's oriole, formerly known as the black-headed oriole, is a New World passerine inhabiting the forests and thickets of southeastern Texas and the Mexican coast. It is the only species to have a black hood and yellow body. It is divided into four subspecies and two allopatric breeding ranges. The westernmost range extends from Nayarit south to southern Oaxaca, whereas the eastern range stretches from the lower Rio Grande valley to northern Querétaro. The most common in the western range are the subspecies I. g. dickeyae and I. g. nayaritensis; I. g. graduacauda and I. g. audubonii can be found in the eastern range. Like most Central American birds, it is not a migratory species and does not display significant sexual dimorphism. DNA analysis of the ND2 and cyt-b genes strongly suggests that I. graduacauda is most closely related to I. chrysater, the yellow-backed oriole. It is a member of the genus Icterus and therefore should not be confused with the Old World orioles.