From Opus

Sturnus malabaricus

Alternative Name: Grey-headed Myna

Photo by Yeshey Dorji
Photographed: Misena, Wangduephodrang.

[edit] Identification

The adults of these 20 cm long birds have dark grey upperparts, rufous underparts and a chestnut tail. The head is a paler grey, with a white throat.

The sexes are similar, but juveniles have grey upperparts and whitish underparts, with just chestnut tips to the tail feathers.

[edit] Distribution

It is a resident breeder in India and southeast Asia.

[edit] Taxonomy

Three subspecies are recognized: malabaricus, blythii, and nemoricola; however, some authorities treat this as a monotypic species. Chestnut-tailed Starling is sometimes placed in the genus Sturnia which leads to the scientific name Sturnia malabarica.

[edit] Habitat

This passerine is typically found in open woodland and cultivation.

[edit] Behaviour

Like most starlings, the Chestnut-tailed Starling is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit, nectar and insects. They fly in tight flocks and often rapidly change directions.

The Chestnut-tailed Starling builds a nest in hole. The normal clutch is 3-5 eggs.

[edit] External Links