# Metallic Starling

> Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica). The metallic starling ranges from the Moluccas and New Guinea to northern Australia; its apparent iridescence changes with light.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/aplonis-metallica/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/aplonis-metallica/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Metallic Starling (*Aplonis metallica*) is a bird in the family Sturnidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Maluku, Papua, West Papua. Diet: fruit-eater (frugivore); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Aplonis metallica* |
| Indonesian name | Perling ungu |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Observation records | Maluku, Papua, West Papua |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 4,894 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2489042) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — fruit-eater (frugivore) · [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |

## What is the Metallic Starling?

Metallic Starling refers to Aplonis metallica, in the genus Aplonis, family Sturnidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2489042)

## What is known about the Metallic Starling?

The metallic starling ranges from the Moluccas and New Guinea to northern Australia; its apparent iridescence changes with light.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aplonis%20metallica)

## How many Indonesian records name the Metallic Starling?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,894 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2489042&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Maluku, Papua, West Papua. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2489042&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Metallic Starling?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Metallic Starling with Pied Bushchat, Black-naped Monarch, Northern Fantail. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Metallic Starling

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | *Aplonis* |
| Species | *Aplonis metallica* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Metallic Starling

### What is the scientific name of the Metallic Starling?

The scientific name of the Metallic Starling is *Aplonis metallica*, in the family Sturnidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Perling ungu.

### What kind of animal is the Metallic Starling?

The Metallic Starling is a bird in the family Sturnidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a fruit-eater (frugivore).

### Where does the Metallic Starling live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Metallic Starling summarised in this guide mainly come from Maluku, Papua, West Papua. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Metallic Starling eat?

The Metallic Starling is a fruit-eater (frugivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228).

### How does the Metallic Starling reproduce?

The Metallic Starling reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is the Metallic Starling nocturnal?

The cited source records the Metallic Starling as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Metallic Starling?

Scientific classification of the Metallic Starling: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Sturnidae, genus *Aplonis*, species *Aplonis metallica*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Metallic Starling endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Metallic Starling is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2489042), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Metallic Starling is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2489042)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2489042&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14967)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aplonis%20metallica)
5. [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228)
6. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
7. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Pied Bushchat](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/saxicola-caprata/)
- [Black-naped Monarch](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hypothymis-azurea/)
- [Northern Fantail](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/rhipidura-rufiventris/)
- [White-shouldered Triller](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lalage-sueurii/)
- [Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dicaeum-trochileum/)
- [Zitting Cisticola](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/cisticola-juncidis/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Metallic Starling. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/aplonis-metallica/