Alternative names: White-headed Myna; Andaman White-headed Starling
- Sturnia erythropygia
Sturnus erythropygius
Identification
20cm (7¾ in). A small Starling with a rather long tail.
- White head and breast
- Black wings and tail
- Pale yellowish legs
- Pale yellowish bill with blue base
- Pale blue eye
- Rufous to pale cinnamon rump
Sexes similar, male with longer nape feathers.
Juveniles have a pink-based bill, a darker crown and a paler chestnut vent and rump.
Distribution
Endemic to the Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands, India.
Common on Andamans.
Taxonomy
Subspecies
Three subspecies recognized[1]:
- S. e. erythropygius on Car Nicobar
- S. e. katchalensis on Katchall Island, central Nicobar Islands
- S. e. andamanensis on Andaman Islands
This species is sometimes placed in the genus Sturnus which would lead to the scientific name Sturnus erythropygius.
Habitat
Forests, clearings, forest edge, secondary growth, open areas with trees, cultivations.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds on fruit, nectar and insects.
A gregarious species, forming flocks. Joins often other insectivorous species when foraging.
Breeding
Breeding season from March to May. The nest is placed in a tree hole. Lays 4 eggs.
Movements
A resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) White-headed Starling. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 24 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/White-headed_Starling
