The brahminy myna or brahminy starling (Sturnia pagodarum), is named for the similarity of the bird’s head and neck crest to the Brahmin hairstyle of some Hindus. The male starling has a more prominent crest and neck hackles than the female. It is also known as the Pagoda Starling, thought to be based on occurrence of the species on buildings and temple pagodas in southern India. A pair of Brahminy starlings will bond for life – both birds helping to build the nest which is usually in the hole of a tree.
