The Rodrigues starling is an extinct species of starling that was endemic to the Mascarene island of Rodrigues. Its closest relatives were the Mauritius starling and the hoopoe starling from nearby islands; all three are extinct and appear to be of Southeast Asian origin. The bird was only reported by French sailor Julien Tafforet, who was marooned on the island from 1725 to 1726. Tafforet observed it on the offshore islet of Île Gombrani. Subfossil remains found on the mainland were described in 1879, and were suggested to belong to the bird mentioned by Tafforet. There was much confusion about the bird and its taxonomic relations throughout the 20th century.
Region
Mascarene Islands, western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to Rodrigues and at least one nearby islet (Île Gombrani). It likely occupied coastal scrub, woodland edges, and remaining patches of native dry forest. As an island starling, it probably foraged both on the ground and in low vegetation, exploiting invertebrates and seasonal fruits. Habitat loss, invasive predators, and human pressure likely contributed to its disappearance in the 18th century.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Rodrigues starling was an island-endemic starling from Rodrigues in the Mascarene Islands and is now extinct. It is known from a single 18th-century eyewitness account by Julien Tafforet and from subfossil bones described later. Its closest relatives were the Mauritius starling and the hoopoe starling from nearby islands; all are extinct and likely descended from Southeast Asian ancestors. Confusion over its taxonomy persisted for decades due to limited material and lost early specimens.
1874 painting of Henry H. Slater's tent outside a cave on Rodrigues wherein he searched for fossils
1907 restoration by John Gerrard Keulemans (left), partially based on a specimen that turned out to be an albinistic grey trembler (right)
Hypothetical life restoration, based on Julien Tafforet's account, subfossils, and related species
Frontispiece to François Leguat's 1708 memoir, showing his settlement on Rodrigues, with tortoises (which this bird fed on) and rats at the bottom
Temperament
likely wary but adaptable, as with many island starlings
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Direct observations are lacking, but it likely foraged in pairs or small groups and nested in cavities in trees or rock crevices, as is typical for many starlings. Breeding seasonality is unknown but may have followed rainy-season resource peaks. Island endemics often showed reduced fear of humans, which could have increased vulnerability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
No recordings or detailed descriptions exist. It likely produced a varied mix of whistles and chattering notes typical of starlings.
