Meet the Starliпg grosbeak

The Grosbeak Starliпg (Scissirostrυm species) is a distinctive passerine bird, which has the special status of being the only member of the Scissirostrυm geпυs. Characterized by dark slate gray plumage, the starry grosbeak exhibits wigs and tail with a darker, almost blackish hue. Its rump, uppertail coverts, and some rear flank feathers sport long, stiff red tips, sometimes appearing as a duller orange. The strong, bright yellowish-orange beak is striking and complements the dark gray head with blackish lores. The eyes are dark brown, while the legs and feet show a yellow-orange hue.

Both males and females have similar appearances.

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Juveniles have a point in front, with an orange color on the rump and a paler bill.

Epidemic in Sulawesi, this highly social species can be found in flocks where they feed, fly and breed together.

Their preferred habitats include open forests and forest edges, ranging from sea level to elevations up to 1,100 meters.

This species is primarily a frugivore and feeds on fruits, seeds and insects. Can be quite rare while foraging in flocks, especially during courtship displays.

Males demonstrate courtship rituals accompanied by blowing, courting females with a series of giggles and whistles while raising and lowering their beaks and fluttering their throat feathers.

Grosbeak Starliпg breeding colonies are quite impressive, hosting pest groupers that burrow into rotting or dying tree trunks in a woodpecker-like manner. Each pair defends its territory around the pest site, which involves mutual prevention and shared activities. Both adults clean the 2 pale blue eggs with pale and dark brown markings, and the chicks feed by regurgitation. The plague period lasts about 21-23 days.

Although common and widespread throughout its range, the grosbeak faces threats due to the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat, which can result in the loss of pest sites. Despite these challenges, the species is currently considered to have lower copper status and can inhabit several protected areas, and breeding success is also observed in captivity.