About Sturnia malabarica (Gmelin, 1789)
Adults of Sturnia malabarica have an approximate total length of 20 cm (7.9 in). They have grey upperparts and blackish flight feathers (remiges); the color of all other plumage varies by subspecies. In the nominate subspecies and subspecies blythii, the underparts, including the undertail, are rufous. In subspecies nemoricola, the underparts are whitish with a rufous tinge, and this tint is most prominent on the flanks and crissum, the undertail coverts surrounding the cloaca. The nominate subspecies and nemoricola have a light grey head with whitish streaking, which is particularly visible on the crown and collar region. Both of these subspecies have white irises, and a yellow bill with a pale blue base. The plumage of males and females is similar. Juveniles of Sturnia malabarica have whitish underparts, and only the tips of their tail feathers are chestnut.
