The Malabar starling aka Blyth’s starling (Sturnia blythii) is a species of starling endemic to southwestern India. It was previously considered a subspecies of the chestnut-tailed starling.
Brightly-colored starling with a smooth “silky” appearance. Male has a sharply contrasting white head and orange underparts. Female is plainer, with less contrast, and white restricted to the forehead.
Seen here on the flowers of Wild Guava (Careya arborea )
Shot In Coorg, Karnataka, Nikon Gears, March 2026 © Dr.Bishan Monnappa.
