Rhabdornis, Starlings, and Mynas (Sturnidae)

12 species in Singapore.

Starlings and mynas (Sturnidae) are small to medium-sized songbirds native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a few in northern Australia and the Pacific, and several introduced elsewhere. Most have dark, glossy, iridescent plumage, while Asian mynas are usually larger and are often plainer brown or black with white wing patches. They have strong feet, direct flight, and are highly social, gathering in large, noisy flocks and forming murmurations as they return to roost sites. Most species feed on fruit and insects. Many are excellent mimics, weaving other birds' calls into their own songs.

Separating Singapore's starlings and mynas is usually straightforward. Among migrants and vagrants, the most difficult pair are Daurian and Chestnut-cheeked Starling. Male Chestnut-cheeked can be easily told by the chestnut cheek, but the juvenile and female lack the chestnut cheek, leaving the wing pattern as the best distinguishing feature. Daurian Starling is the most common migrant, and carefully scanning through flocks might reveal a vagrant starling or two.

Most species can be found nearly anywhere, from forest to forest edge, parks, gardens, mangroves, and even urban areas. Common Hill Myna has expanded its range from the forests into neighbouring forest edge, parks, and gardens.

These are highly social birds that move and roost in flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands. Mixed flocks of multiple different species are typical. Most forage on fruit and insects, gleaning in tree canopies or probing the ground.