Aplonis pelzelni
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pohnpei_starling
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Pohnpei Starling faces severe threats from habitat destruction as native forests on Pohnpei Island are cleared for agriculture and development. Introduced predators, particularly rats and cats, pose significant risks to nesting birds and their eggs. The species' extremely small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks, while invasive plant species continue to degrade the quality of remaining forest habitat.
Habitat
The Pohnpei Starling inhabits native montane forests on Pohnpei Island in the Federated States of Micronesia, preferring dense canopy areas with native tree species. It is typically found in primary and mature secondary forests at elevations between 400-700 meters, where it forages in the forest canopy and nests in tree cavities.
