Close up
Acridotheres melanopterus tertius
Get ready to meet a bird that looks like it flew straight out of a treasure chest! This is the Bawean Starling, and it's a superstar from a faraway island called Bawean in Indonesia. Its feathers aren't just plain black; oh no! They shimmer and sparkle with amazing blues, purples, and greens, especially when the sun catches them just right. And check out those bright yellow rings around its eyes – like it's wearing the coolest sunglasses ever! Plus, it has a fluffy crest on its head that pops up when it's feeling excited or curious. It's smaller than a pigeon, but it's packed with sparkle!
This dazzling bird is also a bit of a secret agent, spending most of its time high up in the very tippy-tops of tall trees, hidden away in the forest. It's an amazing flyer, zipping and darting through the leaves like a tiny, feathered superhero looking for its next meal. What's on the menu? A delicious mix of juicy fruits and tasty insects! You might spot it quietly munching on berries or snatching a bug, always keeping an eye out in its leafy home. It often flies solo or sometimes with just one friend.
But here's what makes the Bawean Starling extra, extra special: it's a super important gardener for its island home! As it flies from tree to tree, gobbling up yummy fruits, it helps to spread the seeds all over the forest floor. This means new plants and trees can grow, keeping the forest healthy and happy. How cool is that? This little bird has a HUGE job, and sadly, there aren't many left. That's why every Bawean Starling is a true treasure, helping to keep its incredible island home alive!
People are cutting down the forests where Bawean Starlings live to make farms or build houses, which means these birds lose their homes and places to find food.
Being done about itScientists and park rangers are working hard to protect the forests that are left and are even planting new trees to grow more homes for the starlings.
Sadly, some people illegally catch Bawean Starlings from their forest homes to sell them as pets, which takes these beautiful birds away from where they belong.
Being done about itPark rangers are working hard to stop poachers from catching the starlings, and they are also teaching people why it's so important to keep these special birds safe in the wild.
Brave scientists and wildlife heroes are working super hard to protect these precious birds by making sure their forest homes are safe and trying to stop people from taking them as pets, which is a very important mission!
