- Aplonis atrifusca
Identification
30cm. A large starling with a strong bill and a longish, square-ended tail.
- Dark brown forehead, crown and nape with violet-green iridescence
- Brown mantle with greenish iridescence
- Sepia-brownrump wing and tail, indistinct rufous panel on wing
- Blackish-brown chin to upper breast with violet-green iridescence
- Medium-brown belly with greenish iridescence
- Dark brown eye
- Black bill and legs
Sexes similar. Juveniles are dull brown.
Distribution
Endemic to Samoa (Savai'i and Upolu) and American Samo (Tutuila, Ofu, Olosega and Tau).
Common in its restricted range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Coastal vegetation, plantations, cultivations, villages and towns, also lowland forest. Less common in higher forest.
Behaviour
Often in small flocks but forages also singly.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruit, takes also invertebrates.
Breeding
Breeding season probably from March to July. Nests in a tree hole.
Movements
A resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- 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. (2024) Samoan Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Samoan_Starling
