Brahminy Starling

The Brahminy starling, or Brahminy myna (Sturnia pagodarum), presents itself with a pale buff creamy plumage contrasted by a striking black cap and a rather elegant loose crest. The bill is a vibrant yellow with a subtle bluish base, and around the eye, one can observe a bluish patch of skin. The iris itself is quite pale, adding to the bird's distinctive appearance. Notably, the outer tail feathers are white, and the black primaries on the wings lack any white patches, which can be a key identification feature.

Identification Tips

Adult males are distinguished by a more pronounced crest and longer neck hackles compared to females. Juveniles appear duller with a browner cap. When identifying this species, look for the absence of white patches on the black wing primaries and the unique combination of the creamy body with the black cap.

Habitat

The Brahminy starling thrives in dry forests, scrub jungles, and areas of cultivation. It is often found in proximity to human settlements, particularly favoring regions with waterlogged or marshy lands.

Distribution

This bird is a resident breeder in Nepal and India, a winter visitor to Sri Lanka, and a summer visitor in parts of the western and northeastern Himalayas. It can also be seen in the plains of Pakistan.

Behaviour

The Brahminy starling is typically seen in pairs or small flocks. It is not as arboreal as some of its myna relatives, often forming mixed flocks with other mynas on grassy terrain. These birds are known to forage alongside grazing cattle and roost communally in large numbers in leafy trees, sometimes alongside parakeets and other mynas.

Song & Calls

The Brahminy starling's call is a musical series of long, slurred notes that end abruptly, adding a melodious backdrop to its habitat.

Breeding

The breeding season varies by location, generally occurring from March to September, with an earlier start in southern India. The male is responsible for selecting the nest site, which is often a tree hole or artificial cavity. Both sexes contribute to nest building, lining it with grass, feathers, and rags. The typical clutch consists of three to four pale bluish-green eggs.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivore, the Brahminy starling feeds on both fruit and insects. It has been observed feeding on the fruits of Thevetia peruviana, which are toxic to many vertebrates. These birds also seek nectar from flowers such as Salmalia, Butea monosperma, and Erythrina.

Conservation status

The Brahminy starling is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat threats.