Zoo Atlanta welcomes critically endangered bird hatchlings

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Six Bali myna starling bird hatchlings have been born at Zoo Atlanta this year, the zoo said Tuesday.

Bali myna starlings are a critically endangered species native to a small region of Bali. The species nearly went extinct in 2001 after reaching a critical low of just six birds, but a conservation effort brought the species back from the brink; as of 2025, there were 600 birds in the wild.

The starlings are covered in white plumage tipped with black on the wings and tail, as well as blue patches of skin around the eyes. They can also mimic certain sounds, including words. This makes them valuable in the illegal pet trade.

The six are the newest of several Bali myna starlings at Zoo Atlanta.