Published February 10, 2023 | Animal Knowledge, Animals, Birds, Conservation, Wildlife

Black-winged starling (Acridotheres melanopterus) is a species of starling in the Sturnidae family. Also known as “Jalak putih” by locals.

Habitat

This species endemic to the islands of Java and Bali. Its natural habitats are tropical dry forests, tropical dry shrubland, tropical moist shrubland, and pastureland, from sea-level up to 2400 meters. It roosts communally at night in groups, sometimes with other starlings species the Bali starling.

Black winged starling

Characteristic

This birds have medium size, weigh about 89,2 gram with 23 cm body length. The plumage of this species is striking, with the head, breast, back and rump being white, and the tail and parts of the wings glossy black. The tip of the tail and parts of the wings are also white. The skin around the eye is unfeathered and yellow. The bill is yellow, and slightly darker towards the base. They have life span approximately 15 years.

Diet & Behaviors

The Black-winged starling feeds on a variety of items, including fruit, nectar and insects. It feeds in small groups and in pairs, both in trees and on the ground.

Source: Pinterest

It roosts communally at night in groups, sometimes with other starling species like the Bali starling. Their behavior is to emit such beautiful tweets. They will be more vocal in the morning.

Reproduction

Although the exact timing of the breeding season varies by location. Birds in west Java breed from March to May, but in east Bali the season is around June. They are apparently monogamous, nesting in a twig lined hole amongst rocks or in a tree. While breeding the Black-winged starling typically lays 3-4 eggs at a time, while the incubation period only takes 15-18 days.

Would like to learn more about the Black-winged starling and the successful breeding program? Feel free to visit the Bird Aviary in Bali Safari Park!