Metallic Starling

Aplonis metallica

This glossy black starling with brilliant red eyes, creates spectacular colonies that can transform entire trees into bustling high-rise bird apartments.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Metallic Starling is a small, glossy black bird with red eyes and a striking iridescent sheen that reflects green and purple hues in sunlight. Its body is sleek and compact, with a short tail and pointed wings, giving it an aerodynamic profile.

Both males and females share similar plumage, with adults displaying the characteristic metallic sheen. Juveniles have a duller, sooty-brown appearance before developing their adult plumage.

Size

Length

22cm to 25cm

Wingspan

38cm to 42cm

Weight

60g to 80g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black Iridescent

Secondary Colour

Green Purple

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Metallic Starling can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Metallic Starling can be found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Metallic Starling is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Metallic Starlings inhabit tropical and subtropical rainforests, woodlands, and mangroves across northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. They prefer dense forest canopies but can also be found in forest edges and clearings.

In Australia, they are common in the coastal and near-coastal areas of northern Queensland, particularly in the wet tropics region. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with no significant seasonal variations.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,200 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Metallic Starling. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons