Indian Pied Myna

Within the Indian subcontinent is a species of starling known as the Indian pied myna (Gracupica contra). Primarily found in low-lying hillsides and plains, it is typically found in tiny groups. It is not as brash as the ordinary myna, yet it is frequently found in towns and cities. It generates a variety of liquid note calls.

It is primarily found in the Gangetic plains, which stretch into Bangladesh in the east and Andhra Pradesh in the south.

This myna has a yellow-colored bill with a reddish bill base, and it is remarkably marked in black and white. Reddish-purple skin is seen around the eye. The cheek, lores, wing coverts, and rump are contrastingly white with the black upper body, throat, and breast. The plumage of the sexes is identical, however immature birds have dark brown instead of black.  The subspecies differ slightly in terms of dimensions, feather streaking intensity, and plumage. With circular wings, the flight is sluggish and resembles a butterfly.

The species is mostly found on the plains, but it can also be found in the slopes up to 700 meters above sea level. They are mainly found in places where there is access to open water. Their primary range in India is from the Krishna River southward into the Gangetic plains.

Usually encountered in small groups, these starlings primarily forage on the ground but will occasionally perch on buildings and trees. Birds in flocks will often call, using a variety of sounds such as whistles, trills, buzzes, clicks, and warbling calls. Captive birds have been trained to mimic the melodies of other birds.