Leucopsar rothschildi
The Bali Starling, or Rothschild's Myna, is an exquisitely beautiful passerine bird, instantly recognizable by its striking, almost entirely pure white plumage. Measuring approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length and weighing between 70-100 grams, its pristine white body is starkly contrasted by jet-black tips on its wings and tail feathers. A distinctive, long, drooping white crest adorns its head, and a vivid, bare patch of sky-blue skin encircles its eyes, leading to a yellowish-brown bill...
Found primarily in lowland tropical dry deciduous forests, woodlands, and savannas, typically at elevations below 200 meters, often near water sources.
Primarily omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of insects such as caterpillars, ants, and termites, complemented by various fruits including papayas and figs, and seeds, foraging by gleaning and ground pecking.
Bali Starlings are diurnal birds, active during the day and roosting communally in trees at night. Their foraging strategy is largely opportunistic, involving gleaning insects and fruits from tree canopies and foraging on the ground for invertebrates. During the breeding season, they become highl...
The Bali Starling is endemic solely to the island of Bali, Indonesia. Historically, its native range was restricted to the dry deciduous forests of northwestern Bali. Today, its natural distribution is almost exclusively confined to the Bali Barat National Park, which was established partly to pr...
Critically Endangered
- The Bali Starling is the official faunal emblem of Bali, symbolizing the island's natural heritage. - It is one of the world's most critically endangered bird species, with wild populations once dipping to fewer than 10 individuals. - It is the only member of its genus, *Leucopsar*, making it g...