SHINY FEATHERS: Asian Glossy Starlings are actually a glossy green.
YOUNG BIRDS: Juveniles look dramatically different from the adults. — Photos by Vincent Wong
A HIGH-PITCHED crescendo of iron hitting a chain-link fence, imitating a busy factory floor fled the trees in my backyard several mornings ago. Was there a factory? No! A flock of Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis) was after the small purple fruit of a roadside tree. These birds, without a doubt, are one of the noisiest species around. Are they special? Yes.
Asian Glossy Starlings are intelligent and adaptable. They are able to live in close association with humans, as are other members, such as mynas, of the Sturnidae family. Of the 143 species, 11 are found in Borneo. The Asian Glossary Starling ranges from India, to the Malay Peninsula, to Sumatra, Java and Borneo where it inhabits secondary forest, tree plantations and urban gardens.
These birds are predominantly fruit eaters with a fondness for soft fruits including papaya, mango, berries and palm fruits. When the fig tree that towers over the river next to my house is fruiting (tiny yellow figs, not the big soft ones favoured by us) the starlings go wild. They seem to be there calling and eating and flying here and there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They do have a fondness for figs. They also eat nectar from the bright orange African tulip trees and insects. Asian Glossy Starlings appear to be black or deep purple, but in bright light their true colour, a glossy green, is apparent. Their bright red bead-like eyes also assist in identification. Young birds, juveniles, have dramatically different colour from their parents – they have black and white streaks.
The Asian Glossy Starling is a sociable bird and even nests in colonies.
They will nest in woodpecker holes and in this case only a bit of grass is used to line the hole. They will also nest in epiphyte ferns which grow on trees, with a more extensive nest made. Starlings have even been known to nest on house eaves troughs – they have truly adapted to the human landscape.
The birds nest all year round, but in Singapore breeding season peaks from March to June. There are usually three blue eggs with dark brown spots.
This slim bird is about 20 centimetres long. Its narrow wings enable it to travel fast and far from tree to tree. Prior to roosting at night the starlings perform an aerial dance over the tree, so that, as is theorised, the other starlings can locate the roosting tree. Their colonies can include other starling species such as the migrant Purple-backed (Sturnus sturnius) and White-shouldered (S sinensis) and even mynas.
This sociable, highly adaptable bird is not at risk, however it is special. It can adapt to the human urban landscape, it brings its wild uproarious nature into our gardens. It eats the fruit of the trees we plant for food or aesthetic purposes. In short, it reminds us, that nature is out there calling.
For more information on the Asian Glossy Starling, or other Bornean birds read the ‘Phillipps’ Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo’ by Quentin Phillipps and Karen Phillipps.