Aplonis tabuensis
The Polynesian Starling, *Aplonis tabuensis*, is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 19-21 cm in length and weighing around 50-70 grams. Its plumage is generally dark and glossy, varying from iridescent black or dark brown to purplish-blue depending on the subspecies and lighting conditions, often with a slight metallic sheen, especially on the head and back. Distinctive field marks include its relatively short tail and a diagnostic pale eye, which can range from yellow to bright or...
This starling inhabits a variety of forested environments, including native primary and secondary forests, forest edges, disturbed woodlands, coastal strand vegetation, plantations, and village gardens, typically found from sea level up to moderate elevations in mountainous areas.
The diet of the Polynesian Starling is omnivorous, consisting predominantly of fruits, nectar, and insects, with a preference for various native and introduced fruits gleaned from trees and shrubs.
Polynesian Starlings are diurnal and generally social, often observed in small groups or pairs, though larger flocks may congregate at fruiting trees or communal roosts outside the breeding season. They are primarily arboreal foragers, gleaning fruits and insects from tree canopies, but will occa...
The Polynesian Starling boasts an extensive and fragmented distribution across numerous island groups in Polynesia and Melanesia, primarily stretching from Fiji in the west to the Cook Islands in the east. It is a resident, non-migratory species throughout its range, with distinct populations est...
Least Concern
- The Polynesian Starling is a 'super-species' with up to 25 recognized subspecies, each often endemic to a specific island or island group, showcasing remarkable island speciation. - Its bright yellow, orange, or red eyes stand out strikingly against its dark plumage, serving as a key identifica...