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The species Norfolk Starling is extinct. |
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Alternative name: Tasman Starling
- Aplonis fusca
Identification
An extinct species. 20cm.
- Greyish-brown plumage
- Metallic green gloss on head and throat
- Whitish undertail coverts
- Orange-red eye
- Black bill
Females were similar but generally duller.
Distribution
Was found on Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island (Australia).
Used to be abundant on Lord Howe Island until the grounding of the SS Makambo in 1918 set rats free on the islands. The starlings were gone within just a few years. The reason for extinction on Norfolk Island is not clear. The species was last seen there in 1923.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies were recognized:
- A. f. fusca on Norfolk Island
- A. f. hulliana on Lord Howe Island
Habitat
Forest
Behaviour
Used to feed on fruit and crops and often regarded as pest species.
Usually seen in pairs.
The loosely build nest was placed in a tree hollow. Laid 3 - 5 eggs.
References
- Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and J Sargatal, eds. 2002. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 7: Jacamars to Woodpeckers. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334375
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Norfolk Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 26 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Norfolk_Starling
