The singing starling (Aplonis cantoroides) is a medium-sized (20 cm in length) starling.
| Singing starling | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Sturnidae |
| Genus: | Aplonis |
| Species: | A. cantoroides
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| Binomial name | |
| Aplonis cantoroides (GR Gray, 1862)
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Description
editAdult singing starlings have glossy black plumage and bright red irises. Immature birds are paler, with streaked underparts and brown irises. They are distinguished from metallic starlings by shorter, square tails and thicker bills.
Distribution and habitat
editSinging starlings are found in New Guinea and some adjacent islands, the Bismarck Archipelago, Admiralty Islands and Solomon Islands. They have been recorded from Boigu and Saibai Islands, Queensland, Australian territory in north-western Torres Strait. They inhabit forest edges, gardens and cultivated areas with trees, urban areas and coconut groves.
Behaviour
editFeeding
editThey eat figs and other soft fruits, and sometimes insects.
Breeding
editThey nest in tree-hollows, cliffs and buildings, often colonially, laying 2-3 pale blue eggs.
Call
editThe call is a repeated, high-pitched, down-slurred whistle.
Conservation
editAs a species with a large range and no evidence of population decline, it is assessed as being of Least Concern.
References
edit- ^ BirdLife International (2018). "Aplonis cantoroides". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22710525A131957945. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22710525A131957945.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- 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
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