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The species Pohnpei Starling is possibly extinct. |
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Alternative names: Pohnpei Mountain Starling, Ponape Mountain Starling
- Aplonis pelzelni
Identification
16cm. A small, dull starling.
- Sooty brown head and upperparts, paler brown on rump and uppertail-coverts
- Pale brown wings and tail
- Lacking iridescence in plumage
- Pale brown throat and underparts, washed with olive-brown
- Brown eye
- Black bill and legs
Sexes similar. Juveniles are lighter brown, especially on underparts. The call consists of a bell-like shrill see-ay.
Distribution
Island of Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia) in the Pacific Ocean.
A survey in 1983 failed to locate this species, however a specimen was obtained in 1995. No confirmed records since then. Hunting, habitat loss and predation by rats may have led to its (probable) extinction.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Mountain forests in altitudes above 425m. Formerly also in lowlands.
Behaviour
Fed mainly on fruits, took also seeds and insects.
Said to have bred in tree holes, laying 2 eggs.
A resident species.
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 Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Pohnpei Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 13 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Pohnpei_Starling
