Tongan Starling

Aplonis minor

The Tongan Starling (Aplonis minor) is a small passerine bird native to the islands of Tonga in the South Pacific. It is characterized by its glossy black plumage and bright yellow eye. These social birds are often found in pairs or small groups and are known for their melodious and varied songs. They primarily feed on fruits, insects, and nectar, and are important seed dispersers in their island ecosystems. The Tongan Starling is facing threats from habitat loss and invasive species, and its conservation status is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Habitat: Tropical forests and coastal areas

Tongan Starling
© Francesco Veronesi from Italy · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0