The striated starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is endemic to New Caledonia.
Region
Melanesia (Southwest Pacific)
Typical Environment
Occurs across New Caledonia’s main island (Grande Terre) and nearby islands, including the Loyalty Islands and Isle of Pines. It uses primary and secondary evergreen forests, maquis shrublands, and coconut groves. The species readily visits orchards, village gardens, and plantations where fruit is abundant. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and edges, often foraging along forest margins and in mixed-species flocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The striated starling is endemic to New Caledonia, where it occupies forests, gardens, and plantations and plays an important role as a seed disperser. It adapts well to human-modified habitats and is often seen around fruiting trees. Several island subspecies show subtle differences in size and streaking. Despite its restricted range, it is not considered globally threatened.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small flocks, sometimes joining mixed-species groups at fruiting trees. Nests are typically placed in tree cavities, palm crowns, or other holes. Both parents participate in rearing young, and loose colony nesting may occur where sites are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of whistles, chatters, and squeaky notes delivered from perches high in the canopy. Calls are lively and contact-oriented, often intensifying around fruiting trees and during the breeding season.
Plumage
Brownish-olive overall with fine pale streaks on the head, mantle, breast, and belly; wings and tail are darker and less streaked.
Diet
Feeds on a wide range of fruits and berries, supplemented by insects and other invertebrates. It also takes nectar and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs if available. Foraging birds probe foliage, search clusters of flowers, and glean from branches. By consuming fruit, it helps disperse seeds across forest and edge habitats.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the mid- to upper canopy of forests and secondary growth. Frequently visits orchards, coconut groves, and village gardens with fruiting trees. Will also feed along forest edges and in clearings.
