In contrast to the starling that we know in the Netherlands, the feathers of the Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi) are almost completely spotless white, except for the black wing and tail tips. The eyes are embedded in a nice blue area behind the yellow bill. They are also somewhat larger than the well-known starling, up to about 25 cm.

They are native to Bali in Indonesia in dry hill country forest. Unfortunately, this beautiful bird is in danger of extinction. It is estimated that there are still about 100 adult birds living in the wild! Breeding them is successful in zoos. The cultured specimens were first released into the wild on Bali, but the population did not increase, but decrease. This decline was caused primarily by poachers responding to the lucrative demand for rare birds in the caged bird market.

better results are achieved with the release of the cage-breed specimens in a bird sanctuary on nearby islands such as Nusa Penida. But there too it is difficult due to poaching. It is hoped that through high fines on illegal birds and awareness of the population this species will eventually grow back to a nice population size.

I liked them so much that I painted them too, see my ‘Natuur art’ pagina.

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