The Bali starling, known locally as jalak Bali, is a striking white bird with black wing and tail tips, a drooping crest and a patch of bright blue skin around each eye. It lives only in northwest Bali and nearby islands, is the island's only endemic vertebrate, and was named Bali's faunal emblem in 1991. It also appears on the Indonesian 200 rupiah coin.
Described by the German ornithologist Erwin Stresemann in 1912, the species was later pushed to the edge of extinction by trapping for the cage-bird trade. By 2001 only about six birds were thought to survive in the wild, all in West Bali National Park. It is listed as critically endangered, and captive breeding and release programs, including on Nusa Penida, have worked to rebuild wild populations.
Seeing a Bali starling in the wild takes luck and a good guide. The best chance is on a morning walk in West Bali National Park, where released birds forage in the dry forest near the coast. Their white plumage stands out against the trees, and their calls carry far. Poaching remains a serious threat, so local guides are careful about sharing exact locations.
Highlights
- Bali's only endemic vertebrate
- Pure white plumage and blue eye patch
- Captive breeding and release programs
- Morning sightings in the national park
Good to know
- Join an early morning guided walk from the Cekik or Labuan Lalang park offices.
- Never buy a caged Bali starling; the illegal trade is the main threat to the species.
- Bring binoculars and wear muted clothing to avoid disturbing birds.
On the map
Bali 2027 Travel Guide
The complete island guide: where to go, how to get around, what to avoid, health and safety, and the phrases that open doors.