Bali Starlings bred at Durrell in Jersey sent to Asia

Seven Bali Starlings bred at Durrell in Jersey have been sent back to their native country

Rare birds bred in Jersey have been sent to Bali to help save the species.

The Bali Starling, which has a white plumage and blue streak across the eye, faces threats from poachers and is in danger of extinction.

But seven of the birds bred at Durrell are joining 13 others bred in captivity elsewhere in Europe for a breeding programme on the Indonesian island.

Durrell said it hoped the birds would help increase the genetic diversity in the breeding stock.

The birds are being held in quarantine at Bali Bird Park before they move to the Begawan Foundation breeding centre in Sibang.

The Bali Starling is the official mascot of Bali, but there are thought to be fewer than 10 birds left in the wild.

David Jeggo, the Head of the Bird Department at Durrell, said without the project, there was a good chance the birds would not have survived.