Aplonis cantoroides, commonly known as the Striated Starling, is a bird species native to the Solomon Islands, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 22-25 cm in length.
The Striated Starling is known for its striking appearance, with intricate patterns of black and white stripes on its feathers. Its eyes are bright yellow, and it has a distinctive, sharp beak that it uses to feed on insects, fruits, and seeds.
In the wild, Striated Starlings are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, plantations, and gardens. They are social birds and often gather in large flocks to feed and roost.
Unfortunately, the Striated Starling is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, particularly due to deforestation and agriculture. As a result, its populations have declined in recent years, and it is listed as a Near Threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Efforts are being made to protect the Striated Starling and its habitat, including the establishment of protected areas and conservation education programs. The bird is also popular in the pet trade, but it is important to obtain them from reputable breeders and to avoid buying birds that have been illegally captured from the wild.
