The grosbeak starling, also known as the grosbeak myna, finch-billed myna, or scissor-billed starling, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is monotypic in the genus Scissirostrum. It is endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, where its natural habitat is tropical lowland, and sometimes subtropical montane, lightly wooded forest areas and wetlands. It is threatened in the wild by habitat loss, and by birds being captured for the cagebird trade.
Region
Wallacea (Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to Sulawesi and some adjacent islets, it occupies lightly wooded lowland forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and degraded mosaics with scattered tall trees. It also uses coconut groves, plantations, and village outskirts where mature trees provide cavities. The species tolerates disturbance better than many forest birds, provided nesting trees remain. Wetlands and riparian corridors with tree cover are also frequented. Colonies are often established in dead or decaying trees and palms that offer numerous cavities.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the grosbeak myna or scissor-billed starling, it is the sole member of the genus Scissirostrum. It is highly colonial, nesting and roosting in large, noisy groups. Its powerful, laterally compressed bill helps it access hard fruits and probe into crevices. Although locally common, it is impacted by habitat loss and trapping for the cagebird trade.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Extremely gregarious, forming large, noisy colonies for nesting and communal roosts. Nests are placed in natural cavities and soft or decaying wood, often with many entrance holes clustered on a single trunk. Pairs breed within the colony; adults cooperate loosely in alarm calling and mobbing predators. Outside breeding, flocks move together between feeding and roosting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of chatters, whistles, squeaks, and harsh grating notes delivered rapidly. Colony noise can be constant around nest trees, with alarm calls becoming louder and more rasping when disturbed.
Plumage
Mostly slaty-gray body with darker, glossy blackish wings and tail; smooth, close-fitting feathers without a crest.
Diet
Takes a wide range of fruits and berries (including figs), complemented by insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Will also consume seeds and nectar opportunistically. The robust, notched bill allows it to pry into fruit and probe bark crevices for invertebrates. Feeds in groups, often moving tree to tree in coordinated bursts.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the canopy and midstory of forest edges, secondary growth, and plantations with fruiting trees. Frequently visits village trees and gardens, and occasionally descends to lower strata when food is abundant.
