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Sturnia pagodarum
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. 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. Like most starlings, the Brahminy Starling is omnivorous, eating fruit and insects. It builds its nest in tree holes or artificial cavities. The breeding season is March to September but varies with location, being earlier in southern India.
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.
In India, the bird is called Bamani myna (Bengal/Bihar), Kalasir myna (Hindi), Pabiyapawi (Uttar Bradesh), Harbola (Bengal) or Popoya myna. It was known as shaṇkarā in Sanskrit and compared to a parivrājikā (female ascetic wanderer) in the Mahābhāṣya due to its serene appearance; the English name may reflect this or refer to the traditional Brahmin choti hairstyle.
thanks Marcelo. Really like your bird photos. They are really clear, sharp and exotic!