Sturnia pagodarum
The Brahminy Starling, *Sturnia pagodarum*, is a strikingly elegant passerine of the Sturnidae family, typically measuring 19-22 cm (7.5-8.7 inches) in length and weighing around 40-50 grams (1.4-1.8 oz). Its most distinctive field marks include a glossy black cap, which often forms a slight crest, contrasting sharply with an orange-buff nape and hindneck. The upperparts are a soft greyish-brown, while the underparts are a clean creamy-buff, and its bright yellow bill features a noticeable bl...
Found in open woodlands, scrublands, cultivation, orchards, and urban gardens, often near human habitation. They generally prefer plains and low to moderate elevations, rarely exceeding 1,500 meters (5,000 feet).
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, termites, and other invertebrates, but also consumes fruits, berries, seeds, and nectar. They forage mainly by gleaning from the ground or vegetation.
Brahminy Starlings are highly social birds, often seen foraging in small to large flocks, particularly outside the breeding season, though they can also be encountered in pairs. They are diurnal, spending much of the day gleaning insects and fruits from the ground or vegetation, frequently associ...
The Brahminy Starling is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Its primary breeding range extends throughout most of India, southern Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. While largely resident in many parts of its core range, northern populations, par...
Least Concern
- The Brahminy Starling gets its scientific name 'pagodarum' from its frequent association with temples and human settlements, often seen perched on pagodas. - Unlike many starlings, it possesses a relatively delicate build and distinctive, gentle coloration, setting it apart from its typically d...