Rustbrock Star
| Rustbrock Star | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Aplonis santovestris | ||||||||||||
| Harrisson & Marshall , 1937 |
The Rostbürzelstar ( Aplonis santovestris ) is a rare and little researched bird of the starling family . It is endemic to the South Pacific island of Espiritu Santo ( Vanuatu ).
description
The small, relatively clumsy looking starfish reaches a size of 17 centimeters. The plumage is predominantly rust-brown. The top is a little darker and the top of the head is blackish. The iris is white.
distribution and habitat
So far, there have only been sightings on the three highest mountains Espiritu Santos, Mt. Watiamasan, Mt. Tabwemasana and Peak Santo from an altitude of 1160 meters.
Way of life
The rustling star looks for food in the undergrowth of cloud forests . It is seldom found at heights of over 6 meters. It occurs singly or in pairs, and its nesting holes are in the lower areas of trees.
Hazard history
The rustling star was only discovered in 1934, then it was considered lost until it was rediscovered in 1961. Mountain residents reported that it was widespread along the western mountain ranges of Mt. Watiamasan, Mt. Tabwemasana and Peak Santo, but search expeditions in this area were unsuccessful. It was once again considered lost until, in 1991, a scientific team succeeded in observing and photographing a couple at an altitude of 1200 meters on Peak Santo. It is often reported to be eaten by the mountain people in the village of Matantas, Big Bay, in the north of the island. Rats as well as stray dogs and cats pose a further risk. The organization BirdLife International estimates the population at 250 to 1000 copies.
literature
- Bille, Matthew A. - Rumors of Existence: Newly Discovered, Supposedly Extinct, and Unconfirmed Inhabitants of the Animal Kingdom
- Heinrich L. Bregulla : Birds of Vanuatu . Anthony Nelson, 1992. ISBN 0904614344
Web links
- Aplonis santovestris in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2008. Posted by: BirdLife International, 2008. Accessed January 4 of 2009.
- BirdLife Species Factsheet - Aplonis santovestris
- Illustration on a postage stamp