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PLATE 93: STARLINGS II
Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus rb (E/I)
L: 21. Resembles Common Myna but smaller, with body slate-grey (deep vinous-brown in Common
Myna); the blackish head has short crest on forecrown; bare orange-red patch around eye and
pale reddish bill diagnostic (Common Myna has both bill and eye-patch bright yellow). In flight,
large rusty-buff patches across bases of primaries and on tail-corners. Juveniles have body
tinged brown, not slate; wing- and tail-patches more buffish-white, approaching Common Myna,
but colour of bill and around eye always separates them. Often confiding, rather noisy, in pairs or in
flocks; feeds mainly on the ground. Voice Garbled chattering notes from flock, sometimes a rather
musical song, both distinguishable from Common Myna with experience. Habitat Towns, villages,
fields, grassy areas; flocks roost in trees or reeds. Nests colonially in hole in bank, mud-well or
masonr y. Note Not native; breeding populations originate from escapes.Common Myna Acridotheres tristis RB (E/I)
L: 23. Bold, noisy, gregarious myna. Body deep vinous-brown (slate in adult Bank Myna); bill and
small bare patch below eye bright yellow (reddish in Bank Myna). In flight, has conspicuous large
white patch across primary bases, on outer underwing-coverts and on tail-corners (rusty-buff
in Bank Myna). Voice Song imitative and repetitive with strident, rough and liquid notes mixed, piu-
piu-piu, che-che-che, tliy-tliy-tliy, tuu-tuu-tuu, tititi, pryv-pryv. Alarm a grating traaah. Habitat Urban
settings, parks, gardens, fields; nests in hole in tree, palm crown, under eaves or other manmade
setting. Note Resident; breeding populations outside E Iran originate from escapes.Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica V
L: 21. A typical starling in shape. Adult has whitish head, grey upperparts and black flight feathers.
Flanks rufous-brown becoming deep chestnut on rump and outer tail feathers. Eyes white,
bill bluish at base, yellow at tip. Juvenile has whitish underparts and chestnut tip to the tail.
Voice Short, harsh calls, somewhat similar to Common Starling. Habitat Open woodlands,
farmlands. Note Vagrant Oman.Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum pm, wv
L: 21. Small and undemonstrative, unlike Common Myna, may recall waxwing; seldom vocal, solitary
or in pairs. Adult with black crest, usually flattened, rufous-buff underparts finely white-streaked
and blue skin patch behind eye; bill yellow with blue base. Vent, tail sides and tip white. Juvenile
similar but much browner and lacking crest. Voice Often silent; short song (includes mimicry) is
a drawn out gurgle followed by bubbling yodel; alarm is a Jay-like churr. Habitat Parks, gardens,
woodland edge, scrub. Note Breeding populations originate from escapes.Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii RB
L: 25. All glossy-black (male) or sooty-brown with grey head (female), with rusty-orange
primaries conspicuous in flight, showing as panel when perched. Usually in rather noisy flocks,
but as pairs in breeding season. Often perches on camels. Voice Loud, echoing ‘wolf-whistled’
notes heard from parties, dee-oo-ee-o or o-eeou; also mewing vu-ee-oo. Habitat Rocky hills and
ravines; semi-desert, cultivations, towns and villages. Sea level to 3000m. Nests among rocks.
Note Resident in S Oman; vagrant elsewhere in Oman. [Alt: Tristram’s Grackle]