Såli (Micronesian Starling)

For the month of March, the Hui Hōʻai ʻIke is highlighting the såli (Micronesian starling), a forest bird species found throughout Micronesia. Locally endangered in Guam, it is one of two forest birds that has endured the invasive brown tree snake. 

According to CHamoru legends, the såli and kakkak (yellow bittern) were two forest birds that decided to fast on Good Friday. However, the kakkak decided to break its promise and eat. This broken promise is why kakkak stays skinny no matter how much it eats and  såli is healthy and spry.