Brahminy Starling

I receive many bird visitors throughout the day to my garden and am always on the lookout for the first time visitor. Whereupon I generally hurry for my camera, take a snap, and thereafter identify and learn more about the bird. In this case I observed for the first time a visit by two Brahminy Starlings to my garden

Starling on my Compound Wall

The Brahminy Starling (Sturnia Pagodarum) is a member of the Starling family. The species name Pagodarum was given based on the usual occurrence of the species on Temple Pagodas. The name Brahminy relates to its black crest which is similar to that of a Brahmin.

The bird is creamy orange with a black cap and a slight crest. The adult male has a more prominent crest than the female and also has longer neck hackles. Young birds have crestless sooty brown heads and duller coloration. The bill of this bird is yellow with a bluish base.

Adult Bird with Hackles
Photo by Douglas Janson

The Brahminy Starling has a merry chattering call with a pleasing song uttered during the breeding season.

Brahminy Starling on Drumstick Tree

The Brahminy Starling is usually seen in pairs or small flocks in open habitats. The bird which is a resident breeder in India is found in dry forest, scrub jungle and cultivation and is often found close to human habitations. It especially favours areas with waterlogged or marshy lands. It roosts communally in large numbers in leafy trees, often in the company of Parakeets and Mynahs.

The bird is omnivorous, eating fruit, insects and flower nectar and has been known to feed on the fruits of Thevetia Peruviana (Yellow Oleander) which are toxic to many vertebrates.

Pair of Brahminy Starlings
Photo by Koshy Koshy

It builds its nest in tree holes or artificial cavities. The breeding season is May to July. Both sexes take part in nest building. The nest is lined with grass, feathers and rags. The normal clutch is 3-4 eggs which are pale bluish green. The eggs hatch in about 12 to 14 days.

Bird with Nesting Material
Photo by J.M. Garg

In Flight

For more videos and photos go to this link here.