Micronesian Starling
Aplonis opaca
Rather large with a short tail. Uniformly black with a green glossy sheen. Eye pale yellow. Juvenile pale gray below, warmer brown above, with an amber eye. Found in all habitats. Common calls are mostly whistles, gurgles, and chips.
Identification
The Micronesian starling (Aplonis opaca) is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in Micronesia, from the Northern Mariana Islands to Palau and all the way into eastern Micronesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is the only native frugivore existing on Guam. Micronesian starlings are bold around humans and will follow humans as they approach seabird colonies to take the eggs as the seabirds are scared away. They are known as såli in Chamorro and gapl'uw in Yapese; other indigenous names may also exist across Micronesia. Micronesian starlings breed year-round. Both parents care for their young, nesting in cavities. They demonstrate significant aggression when defending nests, especially for older nestlings.
Taxonomy
Genus: Aplonis; Family: Sturnidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Aplonis opaca
- Authority
- (Kittlitz, 1833)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sturnidae
- Genus
- Aplonis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Black-capped Social-Weaver
Pseudonigrita cabanisi
A small, chunky, distinctive weaver of arid habitats in northeastern Africa. Boldly marked, with a black cap, a brown back, white underparts, and black sides. Also note the whitish bill and the red eye. Found in dry thorn savanna, usually in flocks. Nests in colonies. Sometimes found alongside Gray-headed Social-Weaver. Makes metallic squeaking calls, often given by a whole group in chorus.
Gunnison Sage-Grouse
Centrocercus minimus
Large turkeylike bird found in extensive areas of sagebrush. Both sexes gray overall with very fine patterning, black belly, and long pointed tail. Males have a white breast and a black throat. Spectacular male display involves fanning tail, inflating yellow air sacs on chest, and thrusting them forward to produce liquidy popping noises. Extremely similar to more widespread Greater Sage-Grouse but smaller and no range overlap. Also note lighter tail and longer head plumes on Gunnison when displaying. Most easily seen at display sites in early spring; can be very inconspicuous at other times of year. Tends to forage in wet riparian areas near sagebrush. Population in decline.
Golden-breasted Bunting
Emberiza flaviventris
A stunningly-colored bunting with a brilliant golden breast, a yellow throat, a boldly black-and-white striped head, a chestnut back, and white wingbars. When flushed, it shows white outer tail feathers. The female is duller. Pairs and small flocks are resident, but make local movements in arid savanna and broadleaf woodland, where they forage on the ground and fly up into trees when flushed or singing. The species has a mellow descending two-note “whit-wheeer” nasal call and a sweet, clearly whistled “tree-chee-tree-chee” song. The similar Brown-rumped and Somali buntings differ from Golden-breasted Bunting by having gray (not chestnut) shoulders and back of the neck.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.