The Mauke starling or mysterious starling is an extinct species of starling found on the island of Mauke, Cook Islands. The binomen is the result of Buller's misreading of the name inornata on the specimen label. As he seems to have genuinely believed this spelling to be correct, the binomial, although it has no meaning, is valid.
Region
Polynesia (South Pacific)
Typical Environment
This species was confined to the small uplifted coral island of Mauke. It likely inhabited native forest and secondary woodland, foraging from the understory to the mid-canopy. Edges of groves and coastal scrub would have provided additional feeding sites. As a small island endemic, its range and habitat were extremely limited, leaving it vulnerable to disturbance and invasive species.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 30 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the mysterious starling, it was known only from a single specimen collected on Mauke in the Cook Islands. The species name resulted from Buller’s misreading of the label ‘inornata’ as ‘mavornata’, and the misspelling became the valid binomial. It likely disappeared in the 19th century, probably due to habitat alteration and introduced predators such as rats and cats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
By analogy with other Aplonis starlings, it likely moved in small family groups or loose flocks outside the breeding season. Nesting was probably in tree cavities or crevices, with both parents attending the young. Territoriality would have increased during breeding, with pairs defending nest sites in suitable forest patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations were likely a mix of chatters, whistles, and trills typical of island starlings. Calls may have been sharper contact notes when foraging in small groups.
Plumage
Plain, somewhat glossy to dull brown plumage with minimal patterning; slightly darker wings and tail with faint paler feather edging.
Diet
As an island starling, it likely fed on a mix of small insects and other invertebrates gleaned from foliage and bark, along with soft fruits and berries. It may have taken nectar or flower parts opportunistically. Seasonal availability of native forest fruits would have influenced its diet, with insects providing protein for nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Foraging probably occurred in native forest, secondary growth, and edge habitats, working through the understory and mid-canopy. It may have visited village groves and fruiting trees when available.
