Juvenile © Shekar Vishvanath
Adult © jaya samkutty
Adult © Surendhar Boobalan
Flock © HG Prashanthakumar

Malabar Starling Sturnia blythii

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Brightly-colored starling with a smooth “silky” appearance. Male has a sharply contrasting white head and orange underparts. Female is plainer, with less contrast, and white restricted to the forehead. Very similar Chestnut-tailed Starling is not sexually dimorphic; also note grayer head and shorter bill. Found in open areas with scattered trees, often in proximity to human habitation. Forages on trees and on the ground, usually in pairs or small flocks.

POWERED BY MERLIN