White Headed Starling
- Distribution: Found in parts of Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
- Habitat: Open woodlands, scrublands, agricultural areas, urban parks.
- Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates.
- Size: Approximately 20-22 cm in length.
A remarkable bird native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, including areas of India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, is the white-headed starling (Sturnia erythropygia). This medium-sized starling can be immediately identified by its strikingly different plumage. Its name implies that it has a white head and neck that stand out strongly against the body’s dark gray to black color. The bird’s distinctive appearance is further enhanced by its brilliant chestnut-colored rump and brownish back.
Usually seen in open woodlands and plantations, white-headed starlings can also be found in gardens and urban settings. These birds are highly adaptive, thriving in a variety of settings, including both manipulated and natural ones. Being gregarious animals, these starlings are frequently observed in small flocks, particularly during the non-breeding season.
They eat a variety of foods, but primarily insects, fruits, and seeds. They exhibit a variety of feeding activities while foraging on the ground and in trees.