Bali Starling: A Rare Jewel of Bali and the Fight to Save It

Imagine a rare and radiant bird that seems to have stepped out of a dream. The Bali Starling—the Bali Myna or Jalak Bali—perfectly fits this image. With its bright white feathers, electric-blue eye patches, and elegant crest, this bird isn’t just eye-catching—it’s legendary.

 

But beyond its beauty, the Bali Starling also tells a powerful story about conservation, survival, and hope on the island of Bali.

 

What Makes the Bali Starling So Special?

 

The Bali Starling is medium-sized, about 25 cm long, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Its feathers are completely white—like a little puff of snow—with black tips on its wings and tail that give it a sharp, stylish contrast. 

 

Its drooping crest gives it a fancy mohawk look, and those bright blue patches around the eyes? They’re not feathers—they’re bare skin, and they make the bird look like it’s wearing a natural mask.

 

Interestingly, males and females look almost the same, though males may have slightly longer crests and call more often during mating season. Their voices are soft, chirpy, and somewhat melodic—quite pleasant to hear, especially in the forest’s quiet.

 

Where Do Bali Starlings Live?

 

In the wild, Bali Starlings are found nowhere else on earth except the northwestern part of Bali, mainly in the Bali Barat National Park. This dry forest area has scattered trees, thorny bushes, and open land—very different from Bali’s lush, wet jungles in other areas. 

 

They like open forest because they hang out in tree canopies, only coming down when they need to drink, feed, or find nesting material.

 

They nest in tree cavities, often in old trees with natural holes, and are monogamous, meaning they usually stick with one partner for life. Breeding usually happens during the rainy season, from October to November. Both the male and female help take care of the eggs and feed the chicks until they’re ready to leave the nest.

 

What Do They Eat?

 

Bali Starlings have a varied, omnivorous diet, which is excellent for their health and the forest too! They munch on fruits, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. This gives them a well-rounded diet and helps the ecosystem by spreading seeds and keeping insect populations in check.

 

In captivity (like in Bali Bird Park), they’re often fed with a mix of fruits like papaya, banana, and special pellets rich in nutrients. Their adaptable diet makes them a little easier to care for in breeding programs.

 

Why Are They Endangered?

 

Here’s where the story takes a heartbreaking turn. Because of their stunning appearance, the Bali Starling has been a target for illegal poaching for decades. Collectors in the exotic pet trade are willing to pay huge sums for just one bird, pushing their numbers to a dangerous low. At one point in 2001, there were believed to be fewer than 10 Bali Starlings left in the wild.

 

On top of that, the Bali Starling habitat has been shrinking due to deforestation, development, and land conversion for agriculture. With fewer old trees to nest in and more predators introduced to their environment, their chances of survival in the wild became even slimmer.

 

Another challenge is that their range is incredibly small, and they don’t migrate. So once their habitat is disturbed, it’s not easy for them to find a new place to live.

 

Conservation Efforts in Indonesia

 

Luckily, people have stepped up in a big way to protect this incredible bird. Captive breeding programs have kept the Bali Starling population from disappearing forever. Foundations like the Begawan Foundation, Friends of the National Parks Foundation, and Bali Bird Park have worked tirelessly to breed these birds in captivity and reintroduce them into the wild.

 

In addition to breeding, these organizations also focus on community education, habitat restoration, and long-term monitoring of released birds. Some villages near the national park even created local regulations (called awig-awig) to protect the birds. These rules forbid hunting, disturbing nests, or keeping the birds as pets.

 

The Bali government has also classified the Bali Starling as a protected species, and it’s listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

 

To help build a sustainable population in the wild, some reintroductions have even happened outside of Bali, like in Nusa Penida—an island southeast of Bali—where conservationists are creating safe habitats with local community support.

 

Why the Bali Starling Is a Symbol of Hope

 

Beyond its beauty, the Bali Starling is so important because it shows us what’s possible when people care. From being on the brink of extinction to having several small but growing populations in the wild, this bird is now a symbol of hope and resilience.

 

It reminds us that endangered doesn’t have to mean lost forever, and that we can turn things around with dedication, education, and community support.

 

Visit Bali Bird Park to See the Bali Starling

 

If you want to see the Bali Starling in person, the Bali Bird Park in Gianyar is one of the best places to do it. The park has natural-style aviaries that mimic the birds’ native habitat, allowing visitors to observe their behavior in a comfortable and ethical environment, almost like stepping into a Bali Starling sanctuary.

 

You can watch them fly, hear their calls, and even learn how the park participates in breeding and conservation efforts. Interactive displays and educational programs explain Bali’s biodiversity and what’s being done to protect it.

 

Plus, your visit helps support ongoing conservation projects, so you’re not just sightseeing but also contributing to a bigger mission.

 

How You Can Help

Even if you’re not in Bali, there are still ways to help:

 

• Support conservation groups like the Begawan Foundation or BirdLife International
• Avoid buying exotic pets, especially birds like the Bali Starling
• Spread the word about this bird’s story and why it matters
• Donate to habitat restoration projects or volunteer if you’re visiting Bali
• Every small action counts when it comes to protecting species on the edge.

Final Thoughts

The Bali Starling isn’t just a beautiful bird—it’s a reminder of how fragile and precious our ecosystems are. From its breathtaking appearance to its powerful comeback story, this little creature has become a symbol of both Bali’s natural heritage and our shared responsibility to protect wildlife.

 

So the next time you’re in Bali, make time to see the Bali Starling—not just for the photo op, but to celebrate a story of survival that continues today.