Asian Glossy Starling
About the Asian Glossy Starling in Singapore
Last updated 29 May 2026
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The Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) is a small, black and social songbird that is typically found in Singapore's urban parks, gardens and neighbourhoods. Known for gathering in noisy flocks, these starlings are among the most common city birds and are hard to miss!
Identifying features
Check out some of the identifying features of the Asian Glossy Starling below.
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This species’ adults and young have different feather colouration and markings. The adult Asian Glossy Starling has an overall glossy blackish-green plumage, with a black bill, red eyes and black legs. Juveniles have greyish-brown upperparts and striated buff-white underparts.
Interested to learn more about how to identify Garden Birds? Check out our simple guide on identifying Garden Birds!
Habitat and ecology
Asian Glossy Starlings are frequently found on fruiting trees in big flocks, feeding on insects and fruits, across a wide range of habitats, including gardens, parks, forests and urban spaces. Their nests are usually built in tree hollows or building crevices, where they raise their young safely away from predators.
Did you know?
The Asian Glossy Starling is one of the most common birds in Singapore, and can be easily identified by its red eyes and gregarious flocking behaviour!
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Enjoy birdwatching, or interested to learn more about birds you see in our parks and gardens? Join us for Garden Bird Watch to collect valuable data about garden birds, which contributes to their conservation.
Learn more about the Asian Glossy Starling!
Curious about the Asian Glossy Starling? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
