Spitzschwanzstar Poeoptera lugubris

A starling with a piercing gaze that is not easily forgotten, often found in flocks high in fruiting trees in forests, primarily in the lowlands but sometimes high in the mountains. Males are a glossy purple-black all over with a long, pointed tail, and females are a duller gray-black all over with a short tail. Both sexes have bright yellow eyes that contrast starkly with their plumage. Calls are a short ‘tuwee!’ or a rising “dree!” that can be quite musical when given by a flock.