Chestnut-tailed Starling

The Chestnut-tailed Starling, or Sturnia malabarica, is a captivating bird, often referred to as the Grey-headed Starling or Grey-headed Myna. This avian species is adorned with a light grey head, streaked with white, particularly pronounced on the crown and collar. Its upperparts are a smooth grey, while the wings are a darker shade, almost blackish. The tail, from which it gets its name, boasts a rich chestnut hue. Adults measure approximately 20 cm in length, presenting a striking appearance with white irises and a yellow bill, the base of which is a pale blue.

Identification Tips

To identify this bird, look for the distinctive grey head with white streaking and the contrasting chestnut tail. Both sexes appear similar, but juveniles can be distinguished by their whitish underparts and merely chestnut-tipped tail feathers.

Habitat

The Chestnut-tailed Starling favours open woodlands and cultivated areas, where it can often be found nesting in old holes created by barbets or woodpeckers, high up in the tree trunks.

Distribution

This species is either resident or partially migratory, with its range extending across India, South Nepal, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. The subspecies S. m. malabarica is found in India (excluding the southwest and northeast), South Nepal, and Bangladesh, while S. m. nemoricola inhabits South Assam in Northeast India, Myanmar, and North to Central Indochina.

Behaviour

In flight, these starlings are a sight to behold, moving in tight flocks that twist and turn with remarkable synchrony. Their movements within their range are not fully understood, but they are known to perform some migrations.

Breeding

The breeding season for the Chestnut-tailed Starling typically spans from March to June. They lay a clutch of 3-5 pale blue, unmarked eggs in their chosen nesting sites.

Similar Species

The Malabar Starling, or Sturnia blythii, is a closely related species that was once considered a subspecies. It can be differentiated by its white head and is now recognized as a separate species.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous bird, the Chestnut-tailed Starling enjoys a varied diet consisting of fruit, nectar, and insects.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Chestnut-tailed Starling as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no significant threats to its population.