How to identify the Asian Glossy Starling

To correctly identify the Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

17-20 cm

Wingspan

28-32 cm

Weight

40-60 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults are entirely glossy black with a strong iridescent sheen that can appear green, purple, or blue depending on the light. The iridescence is particularly prominent on the head, mantle, and wings. The feathers are sleek and compact.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Conical and relatively stout, black in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Bright red, a striking feature against the dark plumage.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of entirely glossy black plumage and bright red eyes is highly distinctive for adults. Juveniles have streaked underparts.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are distinctly different from adults. They have duller, sooty-brown upperparts with less iridescence. Their underparts are pale, often whitish or buff, heavily streaked with dark brown. The eyes are typically dark brown, gradually changing to red as they mature.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal changes in plumage for adults. Juveniles gradually acquire adult plumage over several months.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are monomorphic in plumage, appearing identical. There are no discernible external differences between the sexes.

Key field marks

• Plumage. Look for the entirely glossy black plumage with iridescent sheens of green, blue, or purple. This uniform dark color is key.
• Eye Color. The bright red eyes of adults are a definitive field mark, contrasting sharply with the dark head.
• Juvenile Plumage. If you see a streaky, duller bird with dark eyes, but similar shape and behavior in the same habitat, it's likely a juvenile Asian Glossy Starling.
• Behavior. Observe their gregarious nature, often seen in noisy flocks, especially when foraging or roosting.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their varied, chattering, and whistling calls, which are often quite loud and distinctive.

Explore the Asian Glossy Starling