Aplonis minor
The Short-tailed Starling (Aplonis minor) is a striking, relatively small member of the starling family, Sturnidae, distinguished by its uniformly glossy, dark plumage and vibrant red eyes. Measuring approximately 17-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length, this species exhibits a deep black-purple coloration with iridescent green and blue sheens, particularly noticeable on the head and upperparts, contrasting with its duller belly. Its most defining field mark, as its name suggests, is a comparatively ...
Found in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, montane forests, forest edges, and often in degraded primary or secondary growth. Occupies a wide altitudinal range, from sea level up to 2,500 meters, typically preferring mid-to-high elevations in mountainous regions.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants, along with a significant portion of small fruits and berries. Forages by gleaning from foliage and branches within the forest canopy.
The Short-tailed Starling is a diurnal species, typically observed in pairs or small family groups outside the breeding season, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. It primarily forages in the canopy and sub-canopy layers of trees, meticulously gleaning insects and small fruits from f...
The Short-tailed Starling is a resident species distributed across the Wallacean region of Indonesia, East Timor, New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and extending into the Solomon Islands. The nominate subspecies, Aplonis minor minor, occupies Sulawesi, the Lesser Sundas (including Lombok, Sum...
Least Concern
- Its common name, 'Short-tailed Starling,' directly refers to one of its most distinguishing features among the Aplonis genus. - The striking red or reddish-orange eyes provide a vivid contrast to its dark, glossy plumage, making it memorable despite its small size. - These starlings are part of...