Pied Starling

Pied Starling

        Pied Starling

         Introduction

      Pied starling or Asian pied starling are found in small group mainly on plains and low foothills. This starling likes to stay where they have an easy access to water.They adapted themselves well to urban living and are often seen in cities and villages.

         How to identify pied starling

     Plumage of pied starling is black and white. Upper part of the body and throat and chest are black and chiks, wing converts and rump are white. Area between the eyes and bill i.e the lore area is white.Bare skin around the eyes are reddish. Pied starling's bill is yellowish in colour and it has a bright orange-red base.

     Male and female are looks alike. But young pied starling has dark brown colour instead of black.

         Breeding and nesting

     This starling actively breed between March and October. They generally live in a small group. But as the breeding season come, they leave the group and pairs up. Calling, fluffing of feathers and bobbing of head are the signs of courtship.

      They make the nest generally on a large tree though in urban area nests on a man made structure are seen. Nests are loosely constructed using twigs, leaves, straws, grass and rubbish. Shape of the nest is like a dome and entrance is on a side.

      Female lays 4-6 blue coloured eggs, one in every alternate day. And after laying 3rd or 4th egg, female start hatching. Incubation period is about 14-15 days. The cheeks are raised by both the parents. The young can fledge when they are about 3 weeks old.

            Distribution

       Pied starling are found in India, China, Mynamar, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They are mainly found in plains but can be seen up to 700 meter above sea level in hilly areas.

            Food habit

       Main food of lief starling is insects including ants and tarmites. But they also feed on seeds, berries, figs and human food discards.
       Call is noisy, a mix of pleasant whistling and screaming notes.

        Scientific name : Gracupica contra

        

                Photo  : By Me

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          Call of Pied starling