Alternative name: Little Starling
- Aplonis cantoroides
Identification
18-19 cm (7-7¼ in). A medium-sized Starling.
- Black plumage with strong green iridescence
- Black wing and tail with some iridescence
- Red or orange eye
- Bristly forehead feathers, feathers of crown and throat hackled
- Black bill and legs
Sexes similar. Juveniles have a dark brown crown and upperparts, pale buff throat hackles with dark brown shafts, a buff vent and a brown eye. Immatures are like adults but variably streaked below.
Similar species
Metallic Starling has slimmer bill, a longer tail, and is larger.
Distribution
Found on New Guinea (including some satellite islands), West Papuan Islands, Aru Islands, Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Islands. Also on Boigu island (Queensland, Australia).
Widespread and common.
Taxonomy
A monotypic[1] species.
May form a superspecies with Tanimbar Starling.
Habitat
Forest edges, gardens and cultivated areas with trees, urban areas and coconut groves. Occurs mainly in lowlands, recorded up to 1700m.
Behaviour
Usually in pairs or small flocks. Often associates with Metallic Starling.
Diet
Feeds on fruits (especially figs, papaya and bird's-eye chili), takes sometimes insects.
Breeding
A monogamous species, often breeding in colonies. They nest in tree-hollows, cliffs and buildings. Lays 2-3 pale blue eggs.
Vocalisation
Loud clear slurred notes. Quiet song is short and scratchy.
Movements
Possible altitudinal movements recorded. Juveniles may be nomadic.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2019. 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
- Craig, A. & Feare, C. (2019). Singing Starling (Aplonis cantoroides). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/60832 on 2 November 2019).
- Dutson, G. (2011) Birds of Melanesia, Christopher Helm, London.
- Gregory, P. (2017) Birds of New Guinea, Including Bismarck Archipelago and Boughainville. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Singing Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 13 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Singing_Starling
