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Overview
Fiery-browed starling

Fiery-browed starling

Wikipedia

The fiery-browed starling or fiery-browed myna is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is monotypic within the genus Enodes. Distinguished by a reddish-orange stripe over the eye, it is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, mainly living in humid highland forest.

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Distribution

Region

Wallacea (Sulawesi, Indonesia)

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid submontane to montane evergreen forests on Sulawesi, favoring mature, mossy forest. It uses forest edges, ridgelines, and secondary growth near intact tracts, provided canopy structure remains. Most activity is in the mid to upper canopy, where it forages among fruiting trees. It tolerates light disturbance but depends on continuous forest for core habitat.

Altitude Range

600–2200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size20–23 cm
Wing Span32–38 cm
Male Weight0.085 kg
Female Weight0.08 kg
Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the fiery-browed myna, it is the sole member of the genus Enodes and is easily recognized by its bright orange-red eyebrow stripe. It frequents the middle to upper canopy of Sulawesi’s montane forests and often joins mixed-species flocks. Its presence can indicate relatively intact highland forest.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small noisy parties and often associates with mixed-species canopy flocks. Nests are presumed to be in tree cavities like many starlings, with both adults participating in care. Breeding behavior is concentrated in the drier part of the year, though timing may vary locally.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of clear whistles, chattering notes, and rasping calls, often delivered from canopy perches. Contact calls are sharp and carry through the forest, aiding flock cohesion.

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