- area: southeast asia.
- general description
- appearance: the asian glossy starling is notable for its striking, iridescent plumage. adults have glossy greenish-black feathers that can appear metallic green, blue, or purple in different lights. they have bright red eyes, which contrast sharply with their dark feathers. juveniles are brownish with streaked underparts, lacking the glossy sheen of the adults.
- size: this bird is medium-sized, typically measuring around 20-25 cm in length.
- habitat
- range: the asian glossy starling is widespread across southeast asia, including countries such as the philippines, malaysia, indonesia, thailand, and vietnam.
- environment: they inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, mangroves, plantations, gardens, and urban areas. they are highly adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban settings.
- diet
- the diet of the asian glossy starling consists primarily of fruits and berries. they also eat insects and other small invertebrates. they are often seen foraging in trees and shrubs, as well as catching insects in flight.
- breeding
- nesting: they typically nest in tree cavities, but they are also known to use holes in buildings and other structures. they may line the nest with leaves, grass, and other plant materials.
- reproduction: the breeding season varies by region, but they generally lay 2-3 eggs per clutch. both parents share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. the incubation period lasts about 12-14 days, and the chicks fledge approximately 21-24 days after hatching.
- conservation status:
- iucn status: the asian glossy starling is currently classified as least concern (lc) by the international union for conservation of nature (iucn), indicating that the species is not at immediate risk of population decline or extinction.
- interesting facts:
- the asian glossy starling is known for its loud and varied calls, which include whistles, chattering, and squawks.
- they are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
- their iridescent plumage can appear different colors depending on the angle of light, which makes them particularly eye-catching.
- the asian glossy starling’s adaptability, social behavior, and striking appearance make it a fascinating species within its range. its presence in both natural and urban environments highlights its versatility as a bird species.