Polynesian starling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Polynesian starling |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aplonis
|
| Species: |
tabuensis
|
The Polynesian starling (Aplonis tabuensis) is a cool bird that belongs to the starling family. You can find these birds living on many islands in the Pacific Ocean. Their homes include the Samoan Islands, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, the Santa Cruz Islands, and Wallis and Futuna.
These starlings love to live in warm, wet places. Their favorite spots are forests that are either dry or moist and tropical. There are different kinds of Polynesian starlings, called subspecies, across this wide area. Some look darker, while others are lighter in color. When they call out, it sounds like a scratchy buzz or a rattling noise. They mostly eat fruit and insects.
On islands where the Samoan starling also lives, the Polynesian starling tends to be shyer. It stays hidden in the forest and eats fruits that are harder or less tasty.
Contents
What is a Polynesian Starling?
The Polynesian starling is a small to medium-sized bird. It is known for its shiny, often dark feathers. These birds are very active. They fly quickly through the trees. They are an important part of the island ecosystems. This is because they help spread seeds from the fruits they eat.
Where Do Polynesian Starlings Live?
Polynesian starlings live on many islands. These islands are spread across the southwest and central Polynesia region. They prefer areas with lots of trees. This includes both natural forests and areas where people have planted trees. They need these places to find food and build their nests.
Different Kinds of Polynesian Starlings
Scientists have found twelve different types of Polynesian starlings. These are called subspecies. Each subspecies lives in a specific part of the islands. They might look a little different from each other. For example, some might be darker or lighter.
- A. t. pachyrhampha – Found on Tinakula and Swallow islands. These are in the northwest Santa Cruz Islands.
- A. t. tucopiae – Lives on Tucopia Island. This is in the southeast Santa Cruz Islands.
- A. t. rotumae – Found on Rotuma Island. This island is in the far northwest of Fiji.
- A. t. vitiensis – Lives across most of Fiji. It is not found on Rotuma or the Lau group.
- A. t. manuae – Found in the Manua group of islands. These are part of American Samoa.
- A. t. tabuensis – Lives in the Lau Islands of eastern Fiji. It is also found in Tonga.
- A. t. fortunae – Found on Wallis and Futuna islands. These are northeast of Fiji.
- A. t. tenebrosa – Lives in the northern parts of Tonga.
- A. t. nesiotes – Found in the northwest parts of Tonga.
- A. t. brunnescens – Lives on the island of Niue.
- A. t. tutuilae – Found on Tutuila Island. This is also in American Samoa.
- A. t. brevirostris – Lives on Savaii and Upolu islands. These are in western Samoa.
Images for kids
-
A Polynesian starling in Matei, Taveuni, Fiji Isles.
-
An illustration of the A. t. brunnescens subspecies by Joseph Smit from 1890.
