Identifying Features
As the name suggests, they have "glossy" backs. From far they may look like crows but they are much smaller in size. The male and female are rarely distinguishable; both are a shiny black-green shade all over, with distinct red eyes. The juvenile birds have the same red eyes, but the underside is white with streaks of black instead [1].
Male, Female, Juvenile
Male, Female Asian Glossy Starling
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| Male or female Asian Glossy Starlings |
Where Can You Usually Find Them?
For my case, I always spot them at the topmost, leafless branches, in very tall trees. Maybe they like the view...🤔 They are usually in a flock so if you see a flock of black birds perched in a tree, don't dismiss them as mynas immediately; they may be the Glossy Starlings.
Places to Spot Them in Singapore
Sightings of the Asian Glossy Starling:
- MacRitchie Reservoir [31 Oct 2020, 8:40 AM]
- Jurong Lake Gardens [24 Oct 2020, 8:34 AM]
- MacRitchie Reservoir [18 Oct 2020, 10:28 AM]
- Telok Blangah Walk [10 Oct 2020, 10:30 AM]
- Singapore Botanic Gardens [2 Oct 2020, 10:40 AM]
