Singing Starling

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Singing Starling
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae Genus: Aplonis Species: A. cantoroides
Binomial name
Aplonis cantoroides (Gray, 1862)

The Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides is a medium-sized (20 cm in length) starling.

Contents 1 Identification 2 Call 3 Distribution 4 Habitat 5 Food 6 Breeding 7 Conservation 8 References

[edit] Identification

Adults: glossy black plumage with bright red iris. Immature birds: pale, streaked underparts with brown iris. Distinguished from Metallic Starling by shorter, square tail and thicker bill.

[edit] Call

Repeated high-pitched, down-slurred whistle.

[edit] Distribution

New Guinea and adjacent islands, Bismarck Archipelago, Admiralty Islands and Solomon Islands. It has been recorded from Boigu and Saibai Islands, Queensland, Australian territory in north-western Torres Strait.

[edit] Habitat

Forest edges, gardens and cultivated areas with trees, urban areas, coconut groves.

[edit] Food

Figs and other soft fruit, sometimes insects.

[edit] Breeding

Nests in hollows in trees, cliffs and buildings, often colonially, laying 2-3 pale blue eggs.

[edit] Conservation

As a species with a large range and no evidence of population decline, it is assessed as being of Least Concern.

[edit] References

• Beehler, Bruce M.; & Finch, Brian W. (1985). Species Checklist of the Birds of New Guinea. RAOU Monograph No.1. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union: Melbourne. ISBN 0-9599823-2-9
• Beehler, Bruce M.; Pratt, Thane K.; & Zimmerman, Dale A. (1986). Birds of New Guinea. Wau Ecology Handbook No.9. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-02394-8
• BirdLife International. (2006). Species factsheet: Aplonis cantoroides. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 4 Feb 2007
• Coates, Brian J. (1990). The Birds of Papua New Guinea. Vol.II: Passerines. Dove Publications: Alderly, Queensland. ISBN 0-9590257-1-5
• Higgins, P.J.; Peter, J.M.; & Cowling, S.J. (eds). 2006. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 7: Boatbill to Starlings. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN 0-19-553996-6