Chestnut-Tailed Starling
Chestnut-Tailed Starling
Also known as: Gray-Headed Starling, Gray-Headed Myna
Sturnia malabarica
Quick Identification guide
Quick Identification guide
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Features a grey head with pale eyes and a light grey throat transitioning into a richer hue
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Exhibits a pale brown body with prominently chestnut-brown tail feathers that stand out in flight
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Possesses a robust, pointed yellow bill making it distinctive among starlings
What does a chestnut-tailed starling sound like?
The Chestnut-tailed Starling, also known as Sturnia malabarica, has a varied and musical call. Its typical sounds range from sweet and melodious to harsh and strident. The bird's common call is a squeaky "quee-quee-quee", while the songs are usually series of whistling and warbling notes. The Starling can also imitate other birds and even some mechanical sounds. Its vocalizations are quite prominent, especially during dawn and dusk, and notably in the breeding season. It can generate individual-specific and geographically varied dialects.
Description
Chestnut-tailed starlings and their flockmates are really close... When they fly, at least. They fly as a unit and perform all kinds of twists and turns with amazing coordination. Are you guys sure you didn't rehearse this at home? They also roost together in bushes and are sociable when feeding, joining mixed-species flocks and chatting non-stop.
The chestnut-tailed starling can weigh between 32to44grams and be from18.5to20.5centimeters tall.
The Chestnut-tailed Starling typically lives for about 12 years. Compared to the Common Starling's lifespan of about 15 years, the Chestnut-tailed is slightly shorter. This species' lifespan is also somewhat shorter than that of the Spotless Starling, which can reach up to 20 years in certain conditions.
Did you know?
Most popular questions about chestnut-tailed starling
How to recognise a chestnut-tailed starling?
General appearance
The Chestnut-tailed Starling, also known as the Grey-headed Myna, displays a body length of 20cm, making it a medium-sized bird. It possesses a grey head and breast, contrasted with a bright chestnut tail and black wings imbued with white streaks. The eyes are remarkably bright yellow or orange. During spring and summer, the plumage can often appear worn-out or faded due to molting.
Male vs female
Male and female Chestnut-tailed Starlings present with negligible sexual dimorphism, appearing noticeably alike in coloration and size. One subtle distinction may be perceived in the deepness of color of the chestnut tail, with males having slightly darker tail feathers, although this needs keen observation to discern.
Juvenile
Juvenile Chestnut-tailed Starlings, in their first year, wear a less striking, more understated attire than the adults. Their body exhibits more brownish hues rather than the distinctive grey and chestnut contrast seen in adults. They also lack the black 'mask' around the eyes that characterizes the adult plumage.
Breeding and nesting habits of the chestnut-tailed starling
Mating behaviors
The chestnut-tailed starling engages in a lively courtship display. Males sing melodious songs and showcase their plumage to attract females. Pair bonding includes mutual preening and synchronized movements.
Nesting details
The species prefers nest cavities in trees, often utilizing abandoned woodpecker holes. They may also nest in urban gardens using artificial nest boxes. Nests are constructed with grass, leaves, and feathers, providing comfort and camouflage.
Eggs and chick-rearing
Females lay 3-5 eggs, with both parents involved in incubation. Chicks hatch after approximately two weeks and are fed a diet of insects and fruits. Parents maintain a high feeding frequency to ensure rapid growth and fledging within three weeks.
What does a chestnut-tailed starling like to eat?
Flowers
Fruits
Insects
Nectar
Seeds
Natural diet
The chestnut-tailed starling primarily feeds on fruits, nectar, and insects. They often forage in flocks and are known to consume a variety of berries and small fruits from trees and shrubs. Their diet includes insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, which they hunt by foraging through foliage or catching in flight.
Bird feeders
At bird feeders, chestnut-tailed starlings are attracted to foods such as sunflower seeds and suet. They may also eat fruits like apple slices or grapes if provided, and are known to enjoy nectar from feeders designed for nectar-feeding birds. Though less common, they may try mealworms or other insect-based foods offered at feeders.
Allure with favorite snacks
First, the quickest way to a Chestnut-tailed starling's heart is through its stomach. This bird species is particularly fond of fruits and insects. Try placing slices of ripe bananas, apples, or pears at your feeder station, along with a mix of mealworms and beetles. Additionally, it is crucial to go for quality bird seeds such as those from Bird Buddy, which are expertly chosen for the season and are a proven hit with many bird species.
Feeder preferences
Next, when it comes to feeders, Chestnut-tailed starlings are not particularly picky, they will visit most types of bird feeders. They typically prefer feeders that offer a good perch and easy access to food. Tray feeders are a good choice, as they allow plenty of room for the bird to sit comfortably. Also, hanging feeders with strong branches are appreciated.
Entice with tricks
Lastly, to attract starlings and encourage them to stay longer, consider adding a bird bath or water feature in your yard. The sound of water is incredibly attractive to these birds. In addition, providing nesting materials like twigs and grass can make your yard a more appealing habitat. Remember to keep your feeder well cared for and filled, this will create a constant food source they can rely on, encouraging frequent visits.
Where can you find chestnut-tailed starlings?
Primary habitat
The chestnut-tailed starling prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Additional range
Their typical range includes the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, stretching to southern China and Indonesia. Unexpectedly, they can also occupy heavily degraded former forest.
Do they migrate?
The chestnut-tailed starling, also known as the grey-headed myna, displays partial migratory behavior depending on its geographic location. In some regions, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, it is largely resident, while in others, it engages in local or short-distance migrations. In northern parts of its range, such as the Himalayan foothills, the chestnut-tailed starling may migrate seasonally to avoid harsh winters. Birds from these areas typically move southwards, descending to lower altitudes and regions with milder climates during the colder months. These movements often correspond to changes in the availability of food resources. The migration generally begins in late autumn, around October to November, with a return back to their breeding grounds in early spring, around March to April. Key locations for wintering include parts of northern central and southern India, as well as the plains of Bangladesh and parts of Southeast Asia. Overall, while not known for long-distance migrations, the chestnut-tailed starling adapts its movements to seasonal changes, ensuring access to food and suitable habitats throughout the year.
What is the role of chestnut-tailed starlings in nature and how to protect them?
Conservation status
The chestnut-tailed starling is currently classified as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN, indicating that it is relatively common and not considered vulnerable or endangered. This bird is widespread across South and Southeast Asia. While there are no major conservation efforts focused specifically on this species, habitat destruction and changes in land use pose potential threats. Continued monitoring of its population and habitat is important to ensure that these threats do not escalate. The species' adaptability to human-altered landscapes has contributed to its stable status.
Ecological role of chestnut-tailed starlings
Its role in the ecosystem
Chestnut-tailed starlings are significant players in their ecosystems. They are avid consumers of a variety of insects and act as an essential form of natural pest control. These starlings feed on pests that can harm agricultural crops and plants, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and contributing to a balanced ecosystem. They also play a crucial role in seed dispersal. Chestnut-tailed starlings consume a wide range of fruits and distribute the seeds through their droppings, facilitating the spread and growth of various plant species. This not only maintains plant diversity but also assists in the regeneration of forests, boosting the overall health of the ecosystem. In cities, these starlings can also help control population of harmful insects, thereby indirectly benefiting humans. Their melodic song contributes to the overall charm and diversity of birdlife in their habitats, adding to the overall beauty and richness of biodiversity.
How to help protect chestnut-tailed starlings
Preservation tips
Habitat preservation strategies
Chestnut-tailed Starling's conservation can be mainly achieved through habitat preservation. These birds thrive in forests, orchards, and farmland, thus it is crucial to conserve these habitats. Avoid deforestation for land development; promote sustainable agriculture and tree plantation in orchards that can provide food and shelter for these birds. Also, preserving old buildings and trees with cavities, as these starlings are cavity-nesting birds.
Community science initiatives
Engaging the community in science initiatives like bird-watching and bird counting can crucially help in understanding the population dynamics and patterns of the Chestnut-tailed Starling. Organise periodical 'bird count' events, and train interested individuals to identify and document these birds. Use these data to monitor their populace and study habitat preferences. Further, raise public awareness about the significance of these birds in maintaining ecological balance, and the threat posed by habitat loss and deforestation.