The Rarotonga starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is endemic to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.
Region
South Pacific (Cook Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Rarotonga, where it inhabits native evergreen and cloud forest in the island’s rugged interior. It favors mature forest with large trees that provide cavities for nesting and fruiting resources. Birds are most often seen along ridgelines and steep gullies, moving through the canopy and upper mid-story. It may also use secondary forest and forest edges when fruit is abundant.
Altitude Range
100–650 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Rarotonga starling is confined to the mountainous forests of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. It forages high in the canopy for fruits and insects and nests in natural cavities. Island endemics like this species are vulnerable to habitat loss and invasive predators, particularly rats. Conservation of upland native forest is key to its persistence.
Temperament
wary and inconspicuous in dense canopy
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, especially during the breeding season. Nests in cavities in large trees, lining the nest with plant material. Outside breeding, small loose foraging parties may form around fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of clear whistles, chatters, and harsh notes delivered from high perches within the canopy. Calls carry through the forest but are not especially loud or elaborate compared to some other starlings.
Plumage
Mostly sooty-brown to dark brown with subtle paler edging on the body feathers; slight gloss on the upperparts in good light.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of native and introduced fruits, taking berries and drupes from the canopy. Supplements fruit with insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, bark, and epiphytes. May occasionally take nectar or small invertebrates flushed from foliage during active foraging.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the upper mid-story and canopy of mature forest. Frequently visits fruiting trees and may venture to forest edges when resources are available.
