Least Concern

Length about 22–24 cm; weight around 90–120 g. Medium-sized starling with greyish plumage, darker head, yellow bill and legs, and a small tuft of feathers (crest) on the forehead.

Resident throughout South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and parts of Thailand.

Non-migratory; may move locally in search of food or suitable roosting sites.

Typically March to September, peaking during pre-monsoon and monsoon months.

Nests in tree cavities, building crevices, and sometimes in old woodpecker holes. Lays 4–6 pale blue eggs. Both parents share incubation (about 13–15 days) and chick care.

Found in open forests, farmlands, grasslands, gardens, and urban areas. Often near human habitation but prefers greener, less urbanized areas than the Common Myna.

Omnivorous: feeds on insects, fruits, grains, nectar, and small vertebrates. Forages mostly on the ground or low vegetation, often in pairs or small groups.