Aplonis panayensis
The Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) is a striking passerine bird, renowned for its intensely iridescent plumage and bright ruby-red eyes, distinguishing it within the Sturnidae family. This medium-sized species, typically measuring around 20 cm (7.9 in) in length, exhibits a captivating oily-green to purple-black sheen across its entire body, which shimmers with metallic blues and greens depending on the angle of light. Key field marks include its uniform glossy appearance, short s...
This highly adaptable species primarily inhabits lowland forests, forest edges, cultivated areas, parks, gardens, and urban environments. It thrives from sea level up to around 1,500 meters, showing a strong preference for areas with human disturbance.
The diet is largely omnivorous, consisting predominantly of various fruits and berries, with insects making up a significant portion, especially during the breeding season. They also consume nectar from flowering plants, foraging primarily in the tree canopy and on the ground.
Asian Glossy Starlings are highly social and diurnal birds, often seen foraging and roosting in large, noisy flocks, sometimes comprising thousands of individuals at communal roost sites. Foraging primarily involves gleaning fruits and insects from the canopy, but they also descend to the ground ...
The Asian Glossy Starling boasts an extensive distribution across the Oriental biogeographic realm, primarily in Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent. Its core breeding and resident range spans from Bangladesh and northeastern India eastward through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodi...
Least Concern
- The Asian Glossy Starling's iridescent plumage can shift from oily green to metallic blue or purple depending on the angle of light, making them appear like living jewels. - They are highly social birds, often forming massive communal roosts that can host thousands of individuals, creating spec...