Aplonis mavornata
The Mauke Starling (Aplonis mavornata) is a poignant example of avian extinction, known exclusively from a single specimen collected in 1863 on Mauke Island, Cook Islands. This enigmatic songbird measured approximately 19 cm in length, making it a relatively small starling. Its plumage was uniformly dark, likely exhibiting a subtle iridescence typical of many Aplonis species, a feature that would have been a primary field mark alongside its distinctive orange-yellow iris. Taxonomically, it be...
This species was endemic to Mauke Island in the Cook Islands, inhabiting subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests at low elevations.
Presumed to be an omnivore, primarily feeding on fruits, berries, and a variety of insects, typical of other Pacific island starlings.
Detailed behavioral patterns of the Mauke Starling remain largely unknown due to its extinction shortly after discovery. However, inferences drawn from its close relatives within the Aplonis genus suggest it was likely diurnal, active during daylight hours, potentially roosting communally in tree...
The Mauke Starling was strictly endemic to Mauke Island, one of the southern Cook Islands in Polynesia. Its entire known distribution was confined to this small oceanic island, spanning only about 18 square kilometers. No records exist of its presence on any other island, nor any indication of mi...
Extinct
- The Mauke Starling is known from only one single specimen, collected in 1863, making it one of the rarest birds ever described. - The specimen, a female, was collected by Andrew Garrett, an American conchologist and naturalist. - Its extinction occurred so rapidly after its discovery that almos...