This rare bird is the star of Bali's wildlife. The Bali Starling lives in the savannas and deciduous forests of northwest Bali. The Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi) is also known as the Rothschild's Mynah or Bali Mynah.

The birds are typically 25 cm long, almost all in white color but with black tips on the wings and tail, blue bare skin around the eyes, grayish legs and a yellow bill.

The Bali Starling is endemic to the island of Bali and spends most of the time in tree tops; it goes to the ground for drink only. They live in the nests that are often in old woodpecker holes. Now the bird is very rare and considered in an endangered state, mostly because of the urbanization of the island and illegal trapping for the caged-bird trade. In 1990 the wild population was estimated to be as low as 13 individuals.

This critical situation forced the government cooperate with BirdLife International and American and British Zoos and to set aside the West Bali National Park for the Bali Starlings' survival. Zoo efforts are underway to improve a breeding program of captive birds. And after years of effort and devotion, it close to becoming a successful program, then a tragic event occurred: In 1999 at least 39 birds were stolen by a group of irresponsible thieves. This was followed by several similar actions.

Now, after some improvement in guarding the park, the breeding center near Cekik boasts 55 starlings. The center is expected to breed 150 birds a year so that they can soon be reintroduced to the jungle.