Least Concern

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.

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.

Wintering grounds include Africa, southern Asia, and the Middle East. Migration occurs mainly between September and April.

Typically March to June, varying by region. In India, breeding occurs mainly before the monsoon (February to May).

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.

Found in open grasslands, farmlands, orchards, savannas, and urban gardens. Prefers dry, warm regions with short vegetation and scattered trees or walls for nesting.

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.