Brahminy Starling

Description:

The Brahminy Myna or Brahminy Starling (Sturnia pagodarum [2]) is a member of the starling family of birds. It is creamy orange bird with a black cap and a slight crest. They are usually seen in pairs or small flocks in open habitats on the plains of the Indian Subcontinent. The species name pagodarum was given by presumably based on the usual occurrence of the species on buildings and temple pagodas in southern India. Like most starlings, the Brahminy Starling is omnivorous, eating fruit and insects.

Habitat:

This passerine is typically found in dry forest, scrub jungle and cultivation and is often found close to human habitations. The especially favour areas with waterlogged or marshy lands. It is a resident breeder in Nepal and India, a winter visitor to Sri Lanka and a summer visitor in parts of the western Himalayas and northeastern Himalayas. They have musical call notes that are long made up of a series of slurred notes that ends abruptly.

Notes:

new photo added of a pair of these birds in the tree outside my door in Shirdi, Maharastra, India