Samoan starling
| Samoan starling | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Sturnidae |
| Genus: | Aplonis |
| Species: | A. atrifusca |
| Binomial name | |
| Aplonis atrifusca (Peale, 1848) | |
The Samoan starling (Aplonis atrifusca) is a large starling of the family Sturnidae. It is found in American Samoa and Samoa. The species has a dark brown, glossy appearance, with a long bill. Its natural habitat is tropical moist forest on volcanic islands, where it is common and more conspicuous than the Polynesian starling, which is found in the same habitat. Vocalizations include various whistles and other sounds.[2] This starling feeds on a variety of fruits, especially guava, and insects. Little is known of its mating or social habits, but it appears to nest year-round, in tree cavities. Its eggs are pale blue.[3] [4]
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2012). "Aplonis atrifusca". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- ↑ Pratt, H. Douglas et al. (1987). The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-02399-9.
- ↑ Feare, Chris; Craig, Adrian (1998). Starlings and Mynas. Christopher Helm. pp. 130–131. ISBN 0-7136-3961-X.
- ↑ Craig, P.. "Natural History Guide to American Samoa". National Park of American Samoa, Department Marine and Wildlife Resources, American Samoa Community College. Retrieved 16 August 2009.