Brahminy Starling

Sturnia pagodarum

Family: Rhabdornis, Starlings, and Mynas · Status: Vagrant · Size: 20 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds from eastern Afghanistan to India and Sri Lanka; vagrant records from Indochina.

Identification

Distinctive plumage: black crown, light iris, sandy-grey upperparts, cinnamon-rufous underparts, and bicoloured bill (yellow and blue).

Habitat

Open habitats, including forest, scrubland, and fields.

Behaviour

Forages on ground. Vagrant status debated; increasing records suggest possible semi-regular winter vagrant.