Short-tailed Starling

The short-tailed starling is an approximately 18 cm Aplonis with a compact body and short tail. Adults are mainly blackish, with bronzy-purple iridescence on the head and neck, brighter purple around the nape, throat and breast, and an oily green sheen over the body. The wings and tail are black, the eye vermilion, and the bill and legs black. The sexes are alike; juveniles are dark brown above and brown-streaked below (BirdForum general species account).

It occupies forest and forest edge, generally below 1,500 m, though Philippine records include mountain forest above 900 m. Birds eat fruit and berries as well as insects, forage in small flocks and gather at communal roosts. Nesting reports differ: some describe small colonies in tree cavities, while others describe solitary pairs excavating holes in dead trees. Most populations are resident, although some local movements may occur (BirdForum account citing Clements and Handbook of the Birds of the World).