Asian Glossy Starling or Tristram’s Starling?

General appearance

The Asian glossy starling, also known as Aplonis panayensis, is widely recognized for its distinct, glossy dark-blue or greenish-blue plumage. They are medium-sized birds with pointed wings, short tail, and strong legs. Their eyes have a prominent white iris against a dark body offering a striking contrast.

Male vs female

Both male and female Asian glossy starlings have similar appearances, with no visible physical differentiation between the two genders. Both sexes sport the same shiny coloration and possess similar physical features, making it challenging to tell them apart in the wild based on appearance alone.

Juvenile

Juvenile Asian glossy starlings have less glossy brownish-black plumage compared to adults, with their feathers gradually gaining the characteristic adult gloss as they mature. Their eyes have a brownish iris, which turns white as they age. The lack of the glossy coloration and the eye color difference are the key distinguishing factors of juveniles from adults.

Primary habitat

The Asian glossy starling primarily inhabits open woodlands, gardens, and urban areas across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Additional range

While it prefers tropical climates, it unexpectedly adapts to human-dominated environments and is found in cities and cultivated lands where it exploits available resources.

Natural diet

The Asian glossy starling primarily feeds on fruits and berries found in its natural habitat. It is known to consume a variety of fruits from trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. Insects also form a significant portion of its diet, particularly during the breeding season when protein is in higher demand. The bird often hunts for insects on tree bark, leaves, or in the air. Additionally, it may feed on nectar from flowering plants and occasionally consume small vertebrates.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the Asian glossy starling is commonly attracted to offerings of fruits such as bananas, papayas, and other soft fruits. It may also eat seed mixes that contain fruit or nuts. These birds are less likely to consume typical seeds found in many bird feeders but may still visit feeders that provide suet or nectar mixtures, especially those high in sugar content, mimicking the natural nectar sources they enjoy.