Metallic Starling

Aplonis metallica

Status: Least Concern, numbers decreasing.

Size: Head to toe they average 9 inches in length and weigh between 1.7-2.4 ounces.

Habitat: Forest, savanna, and urban areas.

At the Zoo: In the Asia Forest Aviary.

These small black birds are native to Papua New Guinea, Australia and its surrounding islands. They have a metallic, iridescent sheen of green and purple and large red eyes. Metallic Starling nests are large, intricate and globe shaped to help protect their young in the nest from falling. Large nests also help protect them from predators. They congregate in flocks and will create a dazzling, swirling display in the evening before they settle to roost in the trees.  When you watch for them in the Asia Forest Aviary you will notice how they constantly communicate with each other using a variety of complex calls. Listen for a variety of songs and like the Mockingbird they will mimic the songs of other birds.

In the wild Metallic Starlings are omnivores eating mainly insects and fruits. Young starlings require extra protein and will consume more insects.  At the zoo our starlings receive an omnivorous diet of mealworms, crickets, nectar, cottage cheese, fruits, hard boiled eggs and oyster shells.

Photos:

Cover: Matthew Baldwin, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Top: Nathan Rupert, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Bottom: Heather Paul, Wikimedia Creative Commons