Andrew Chick Ecology

The Brahminy starling (Sturnia pagodarum), a striking bird with a black cap and buff-colored body, is native to South Asia. Known for its social behavior and melodious calls, this starling thrives in a variety of habitats. Its distribution spans multiple countries, with populations found in diverse landscapes ranging from dry forests to urban gardens.

Geographic Range

The Brahminy starling is primarily found in the Indian subcontinent, including:

• India – The species is widely distributed across northern, central, western, and southern India, favoring open woodlands, scrublands, and even urban areas.
• Nepal – Present in lowland Terai regions and lower foothills, where it nests in trees and forages in agricultural fields.
• Pakistan – Mostly found in the eastern and southern parts, particularly in Sindh and Punjab, where suitable habitats exist.
• Bangladesh – A common resident, often seen in gardens, wetlands, and near human settlements.
• Sri Lanka – Though absent in dense rainforests, it is found in dry and intermediate zones of the island.

Seasonal Movements and Migration

The Brahminy starling is mostly sedentary, meaning it does not undertake long-distance migrations. However, some seasonal movements occur:

• In northern India and Nepal, populations may shift slightly southward during colder months.
• In southern India and Sri Lanka, it remains a year-round resident with minor local movements.

Habitat Preferences

The Brahminy starling is highly adaptable and found in:

• Open woodlands and dry deciduous forests
• Agricultural fields and orchards
• Parks, gardens, and urban areas
• Temple and monastery complexes, where it often nests in old structures

It prefers areas with scattered trees, where it can nest in tree cavities or crevices.

Factors Affecting Distribution

The Brahminy starling’s distribution is influenced by:

• Habitat availability – It thrives in human-modified environments, making it less vulnerable to deforestation.
• Climate – Prefers warm, tropical to subtropical climates but avoids dense, wet rainforests.
• Food sources – Its presence is closely linked to fruiting trees, insects, and human-provided food scraps.

Conservation Status

The species is classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, indicating a stable population. However, habitat destruction and pollution may pose future threats in some regions.