The Makira starling, also known as the San Cristobal starling, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Makira and adjacent small islands, where it inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and foothill forests. It uses both primary forest and well-developed secondary growth, and will visit forest edges and clearings to forage. The species is most often seen in the mid- to upper canopy but may descend to fruiting shrubs. It can adapt to lightly disturbed habitats provided mature trees and fruiting resources persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Makira starling, also called the San Cristobal starling, is restricted to the island of Makira and nearby islets in the Solomon Islands. It frequents intact and secondary tropical forests, often moving in small, noisy groups through the canopy. Like many starlings, it is an opportunistic feeder that takes both fruit and invertebrates. Its reliance on forest makes it sensitive to extensive habitat loss, though it remains locally common.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small flocks, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging groups in the canopy. Nests are typically placed in tree cavities or concealed sites in forested areas. Pairs maintain small territories around nest sites during the breeding period. Outside breeding, they range widely in search of fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a mix of chatters, whistles, and rasping notes, delivered from perches high in the canopy. Calls can be loud and conspicuous when birds are in small groups, with occasional mimicry-like phrases.
Plumage
Glossy, dark plumage with a greenish to purplish sheen; wings may appear slightly browner than the body under good light.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of fruits, including figs and other native berries, making it an important local seed disperser. Also takes insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage and bark or caught on the wing. Will opportunistically sample nectar and soft cultivated fruits near forest margins. Diet shifts seasonally based on fruit availability, with more insects taken when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid- and upper canopy of mature and secondary forests. Frequently visits fruiting trees along edges, clearings, and rivers. Occasionally descends to lower strata when feeding opportunities arise.
