Micronesian Starling / Såli
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Micronesian Starling / Såli
Aplonis opaca guami
Subspecies endemic to the Marianas. Endangered species.
These noisy, black birds, known locally as "såli", live in groups and nest in cavities. This means they nest in hollowed out areas in coconut palms or other trees. Sometimes starlings will build their nests in holes in limestone cliffs or in wooden telephone poles.
These black birds eat fruits, seeds and insects. Females lay up to four greenish eggs and both parents sit on the eggs. Baby starlings are naked, blind and helpless when born. One parent stays with the babies while the other parent brings food to the nest. Young sali have brown eyes and gray streaks on their breasts. As they become older, their eyes turn golden and beautiful shiny black feathers start to grow.
Sali used to be found throughout Guam but predation by the kulepbla (brown tree snake) has restricted them primarily to Cocos Island, Andersen Air Force Base, parts of Agana and certain coastal areas in the south.
Our sali is different from the European starlings found in the mainland United States. Unlike their stateside counterparts, which often make pests of themselves, Guam's sali is found only in Micronesia and does not damage crops or buildings.
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
