Metallic Starling
Aplonis metallica
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Highly agile flyer capable of acrobatic manoeuvres and tight formations in dense forest canopies. Their sleek, aerodynamic build and pointed wings enable exceptional manoeuvrability, particularly useful for navigating through complex rainforest environments.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, these small birds possess sufficient strength to carry nesting materials and construct substantial globular nests. Their modest 60-80g weight suggests moderate strength relative to similar-sized passerines.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows strong adaptability through their ability to thrive in various tropical and subtropical environments, from rainforests to mangroves. Their communal living strategies and varied diet of fruits and insects demonstrate good ecological flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Displays moderate aggression, primarily in defence of colonial nesting sites. Whilst not typically aggressive towards other species, their large colonial breeding habits suggest a reasonable degree of territorial behaviour during nesting season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates good endurance through sustained flight during foraging and flock movements. Their ability to maintain energetic social activities and regular foraging whilst caring for young indicates solid stamina, though they're not known for long-distance migration.
Diet
Metallic Starlings are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, especially figs. They supplement their diet with insects, particularly during breeding season.
These birds play a crucial role in seed dispersal within their forest habitats, contributing to ecosystem health.
Behaviour
Metallic Starlings are highly social birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks. They exhibit acrobatic flight patterns, swooping and wheeling in tight formations.
These birds are known for their communal nesting habits, with multiple pairs building nests in close proximity, sometimes forming large breeding colonies.
Vocalisation
Metallic Starlings are vocal birds with a diverse repertoire. Their calls include a variety of chattering, whistling, and warbling sounds. In large flocks, they create a cacophony of metallic 'tink-tink' notes and high-pitched whistles.
During the breeding season, males produce more melodious warbling songs to attract mates.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs during the wet season, typically from October to March. Metallic Starlings form monogamous pairs within their larger colonies. They construct large, globular nests made of twigs, leaves, and vines, often suspended from the outer branches of tall trees.
Females typically lay 2-3 pale blue eggs with brown speckles. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 14 days. The eggs are oval-shaped and have a smooth, slightly glossy surface.
Nestlings are altricial and remain in the nest for approximately 18-21 days before fledging. Parents continue to feed and care for the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Metallic Starling is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to deforestation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting rainforest habitats and monitoring population trends, particularly in areas where their range overlaps with human development.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large, noisy flocks in rainforest canopies
- Listen for their distinctive chattering and whistling calls
- Observe their acrobatic flight patterns during dawn and dusk
- Search for their communal nesting sites in tall trees
- In Australia, check mangrove areas and coastal forests
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and owls, as well as snakes and monitor lizards that raid nests for eggs and chicks.
Did You Know?
- Metallic Starlings can form breeding colonies of up to 1,000 individuals.
- Their iridescent plumage is caused by the structure of their feathers, not pigments.
- These birds play a crucial role in rainforest regeneration through seed dispersal.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Aplonis metallica (errata version published in 2022). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T181767865A216246490.
View source - 2
book, 2020: G. Dutson in litt.
- 4
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source
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