| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | Length about 25–32 cm; wingspan 44–48 cm; weight around 50–90 g. Medium-sized bird with a distinctive orange-brown crest tipped black, long down-curved bill, and striking black-and-white barred wings.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Resident and partially migratory across its range in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Populations in temperate regions migrate south in winter, while tropical populations are resident.
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| Migrate to: | Wintering grounds include Africa, southern Asia, and the Middle East. Migration occurs mainly between September and April.
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| Breeding season: | Typically March to June, varying by region. In India, breeding occurs mainly before the monsoon (February to May).
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| Breed in: | Nests in tree holes, walls, cliffs, or old burrows. The female lays 5–8 eggs, which she incubates alone while the male provides food. Chicks fledge after about 25–30 days.
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| Habitat: | Found in open grasslands, farmlands, orchards, savannas, and urban gardens. Prefers dry, warm regions with short vegetation and scattered trees or walls for nesting.
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| Diet: | Feeds mainly on insects and their larvae, including beetles, crickets, termites, and ants. Uses its long bill to probe soil and leaf litter; occasionally eats small reptiles or worms.
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