The rusty-winged starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in the Santa Cruz Islands and Vanuatu.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Vanuatu and Santa Cruz Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on multiple islands in Vanuatu and the Santa Cruz group, inhabiting lowland to lower montane rainforest, coastal forest, and forest edge. It readily uses secondary growth, gardens, and coconut plantations, often near villages. The species forages in the canopy and midstory, descending to lower levels when fruit is abundant. It favors island habitats with a mosaic of native forest and disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This island starling is native to the Santa Cruz Islands and Vanuatu, where it frequents forests, gardens, and plantations. Its rusty-brown wings contrast with a darker body, making it easy to pick out when foraging at fruiting trees. It adapts well to secondary growth and helps disperse the seeds of many native plants. Island populations can be sensitive to invasive predators and habitat loss.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small flocks, especially at fruiting trees. Nests are placed in tree cavities or holes in palms, sometimes near human habitation. Likely monogamous during the breeding season, with both parents attending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of chatters, whistles, and harsh squeaky notes delivered from canopy perches. Calls become more excited and buzzy when birds gather at feeding sites.
Plumage
Sooty-brown to blackish body with a slight greenish gloss and distinctly rusty-brown wings and wing coverts; tail dark. Underparts are plain, sometimes faintly browner. Juveniles are duller with less gloss.
Diet
Takes a wide variety of fruits and berries, including native figs, along with insects and other small invertebrates. Will also glean nectar and occasionally consume seeds or small vertebrates if available. Forages methodically through foliage and branches, often sallying short distances to snatch prey. Plays an important role in seed dispersal across island forests.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in the midstory to canopy of forest and edge habitats. Frequently visits gardens, plantations, and village trees when they are fruiting.
