Rodrigues starling (SciiFii)

The Rodrigues starling (Necropsar rodericanus) is a species of starling that is endemic to the Mascarene island of Rodrigues. Its closest relatives are the Mauritius starling and the hoopoe starling from nearby islands; all three appear to be of Southeast Asian origin. The Rodrigues starling is 25–30 centimetres (10–12 inches) long, and has a stout beak. It has a white body, partially black wings and tail, and a yellow bill and legs. Little is known about its behaviour. Its diet primarily includes eggs and dead tortoises, which it processes with its strong bill, although it can occasionally feed on seeds. The conservation status of the Rodrigues starling is Vulnerable due to some habitat loss, as well as historic human hunting and invasive predators such as rats, however, thanks to the conservationists, the invasive predators have been eradicated and the Rodrigues starling is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii