Home › Aves › Sturnidae › Malabar Starling (Sturnia blythii)
SPECIES PROFILE
Malabar Starling (Sturnia blythii)
Sturnia
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Endemic to Western Ghats India
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Forests woodlands gardens
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Sturnidae
GENUS
Sturnia
📋 Description
SIZE
20-22 cm long 40-50 g
COLORATION
Grey with chestnut belly white streaks on head
ADAPTATIONS
Strong bill social foraging in flocks
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests woodlands gardens
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Endemic to Western Ghats India
REPRODUCTION
Lays 3-4 eggs in tree holes incubated 12-14 days
DIET DETAILS
Fruits insects nectar
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss fragmentation
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Malabar Flockers: Malabar Starlings forage with 45-gram bodies eating 15 grams of fruits daily in Kerala's forests. Their chestnut bellies are distinctive.
2
Endemic Roosters: These starlings cover 1000 sq km in Tamil Nadu's hills nesting in cavities. Deforestation threatens their flocks.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala
Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu
Silent Valley National Park in Kerala
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round Forests ensure visibility for spotting starlings
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Watch Malabar starlings in flocks near fruiting trees
