Asian Glossy Starling
- Rodrigo
- Mar 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 10
The Asian glossy starling (Aplonis panayensis) is a passerine bird belonging to the family Sturnidae and the genus Aplonis. It is a distinctive species that is sometimes kept as an ornamental pet bird. In Chinese-speaking markets it is commonly referred to as the Philippine starling or glossy starling, while in international contexts it is generally known as the Asian glossy starling.
Behavior and Ecology
Like most members of the starling family, Asian glossy starlings are social birds that typically move and forage in groups. Flocks commonly consist of twenty to thirty individuals, although smaller groups may also be observed searching for food together.
Behaviorally, this species shows strong social communication. Individuals produce a variety of calls, including sharp chattering sounds and metallic clanging notes used for communication within the flock. Their daily activity pattern is relatively regular. From early morning through daytime hours, small groups—usually fewer than ten birds—leave communal roosts to forage separately. As evening approaches, individuals gradually regroup and gather at communal roosting sites. These roosts are typically located at elevated places such as rooftops or tall structures, with flock sizes usually reaching about twenty to thirty birds.
Morphology
Asian glossy starlings are medium-small birds with a body length of approximately 17–20 cm.
Males and females show little external difference in appearance. Adults possess predominantly black-green plumage that reflects a strong glossy dark green sheen under sunlight. The tail is relatively short and square-shaped. Juveniles differ from adults in coloration: their upperparts are dark brown, while the underparts are pale buff. Feathers on the cheeks and throat bear fine black longitudinal streaks, and the breast and belly display coarse vertical markings. The iris is deep red. The bill is black and somewhat stout, and the legs and feet are also black.
Native Range and Habitat
The Asian glossy starling is widely distributed across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia. Its range includes southern Assam in India, Bangladesh, the Andaman Islands, Car Nicobar in the Nicobar Islands, southern Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo, the Philippines, and Sulawesi.
In its natural range, the species typically inhabits open woodlands, agricultural land, and areas close to human settlements. Because of its strong adaptability, populations formed by escaped individuals can also be observed in urban environments.
In Taiwan, the earliest record of this species occurred in Kaohsiung, where breeding in the wild has also been documented. These individuals are believed to originate from escaped captive birds. Observations have been reported from Kaohsiung, Chiayi City, Taipei City, New Taipei City, Tainan City, and Yilan City.
Housing Requirements in Captivity
Asian glossy starlings are curious and energetic birds. For captive care, a cage with minimum dimensions of 40 × 30 × 30 cm (length × width × height) is recommended. Cage materials can be either bamboo/wood or stainless steel. Bamboo or wooden cages provide a more naturalistic environment and may help reduce stress, while stainless steel cages are easier to clean. Owners may choose according to their needs.
The cage interior should include perches, feeding areas, sheltered spaces, enrichment toys, and bedding material. Perches can be made from apple wood or willow branches. Two to three perches of different diameters (1–3 cm) should be installed. The highest perch should be placed approximately 10–15 cm below the top of the cage, while the lowest perch should be about 20 cm above the cage floor, with spacing of roughly 15–20 cm between perches to prevent collision during flight.
For sheltered space, a small nest box or a paper-box hide can be placed inside the cage. The enclosure should measure at least 15 × 15 × 15 cm and should be positioned in a corner of the cage about 15–20 cm above the bottom, providing a sense of security for the bird.
The feeding area should include a dedicated water dispenser and feeding bowls. A spill-resistant water bottle is recommended. Food containers should be separated into small bowls for fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein sources. These bowls should be placed in a corner of the cage approximately 10–15 cm away from perches so the birds can feed comfortably.
Enrichment toys should be made of durable materials that allow the bird to chew and maintain bill health. Wooden and rubber materials are suitable. Examples include hardwood branches 3–5 cm in diameter and 10–15 cm in length, rubber balls 5–8 cm in diameter, or small bell balls. Such enrichment helps reduce stereotypic behaviors that may arise from a monotonous captive environment. Toys can be placed about 20–30 cm away from perches to provide sufficient activity space.
For bedding, newspaper or non-toxic wood shavings (free of additives such as formaldehyde) can be used. Newspaper should be layered 1–2 sheets thick, while wood shavings should be 2–3 cm deep. Bedding should be replaced regularly to maintain cage hygiene.
Feeding Conditions
Asian glossy starlings are omnivorous birds. In the wild, their diet mainly consists of fruits, nectar, and insects, and they may occasionally feed on human food waste.
Suitable foods can be divided into four general categories: grains, protein sources, fruits and vegetables, and formulated feeds. Grain foods such as rice, millet, and corn primarily provide energy. Protein sources may include mealworms and crickets.
Birds should be fed two to three times per day, with each feeding amount roughly 5–10% of body weight. Grains and formulated feed can serve as staple foods, supplemented with protein sources and fruits or vegetables to maintain balanced nutrition.
Because Asian glossy starlings have relatively short digestive tracts and are not efficient at processing fatty foods, diets high in fat should be avoided. Oil-rich foods such as nuts should be limited to less than 5% of the total diet.
Breeding Conditions
Since this species is considered invasive in Taiwan, breeding it privately is generally discouraged.
In natural environments, Asian glossy starlings typically nest in tree cavities, rock crevices, or abandoned nests of other birds. In introduced areas, they often nest in cavities of streetlights, culverts, or utility poles. Nest materials include twigs, roots, coarse fibers, and various debris.
The breeding season usually occurs between March and August, with peak activity around May. Egg-laying typically lasts 3–8 days (average about 5 days), and each clutch usually contains three to four chicks. The female is primarily responsible for incubation, while the male provides food and keeps watch. The incubation period lasts approximately 11–15 days, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
Preventing Invasive Spread
Asian glossy starlings are highly adaptable birds. If abandoned, they can easily establish wild populations and become invasive species that threaten local ecosystems. They may compete with native birds for food resources, particularly species occupying similar ecological niches such as sparrows. In Taiwan, the species was officially listed in 2022 as a restricted import commodity.
Therefore, bird owners must follow the principle of “no abandonment and no release.” Under no circumstances should captive birds be released into the wild. If an owner is unable to continue caring for the bird, transferring it to another responsible keeper is the appropriate alternative.
Author: Rodrigo
References:
Stephanie Yuan Chia , Yi-Ting Fang , Yi-Ting Su , Pei-Yu Tsai , Chia Hsieh , Shu-Han Tsao , Jia-Yang Juang , Chih-Ming Hung , Mao-Ning Tuanmu (2023) A global database of bird nest traits. Scientific Data, 10, 923
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