Starlings are a diverse group in Fiji, featuring the compact to medium-sized Polynesian Starling with its distinctive wing panel and preference for dry and moist forests. In contrast, the European Starling showcases striking plumage changes with seasons, while the common myna, known for its gregarious behavior and adaptability to urban environments, thrives across various habitats. The introduced Jungle Myna, recognized by its black plumage and notable yellow eye, plays a role in pest control on Viti Levu and Ovalau. These starlings exhibit a range of adaptations and behaviors, making them intriguing subjects across the islands.

Fun Fact 1: Remarkably Adept Mimics

Starlings are remarkably adept mimics, capable of imitating a wide range of sounds including human speech, car alarms, and the calls of other bird species. This mimicry ability not only helps them communicate within their flocks but also serves as a form of defense against predators and a means to attract mates. It showcases their intelligence and adaptability in diverse environments.

Jungle Myna

The Jungle Myna is one of two introduced myna species in Fiji. It is easily recognised by its black plumage, yellow eyes and tuft of hair-like feathers near the base of the bill. Originally brought to Viti Levu around 1900 to help control Armyworm caterpillars, it is now abundant on Viti Levu, Ovalau and nearby offshore islands.

Common Myna

The Common Myna is a large, striking bird with a brown body, black hooded head, white wing patches, yellow bill, yellow legs and a bare yellow patch behind the eye. Often seen in noisy flocks or pairs, it is highly adaptable and common in open woodland and urban areas. It feeds on a wide range of foods, including insects, grubs, earthworms, seeds, grains, fruits, nectar and discarded human waste.

European Starling

The European Starling is a robust, dark-looking bird with a short tail and triangular wings. In breeding season, it shows purple and green iridescence with a yellow bill, while in winter its body is marked with white and buffy spots. Juveniles are plain grayish-brown with a distinctive bill shape.

Polynesian Starling

The Polynesian Starling is a compact to medium-sized bird with dark upperparts, lighter underparts marked with long buffy or gray streaks, and a distinctive pale or white wing panel. In eastern Fiji, it has dark eyes. It lives in subtropical or tropical dry forests and tropical moist forests, feeding mainly on fruits and insects.

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