The status of the Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum (Gmelin, 1789) (Aves: Passeriformes: Sturnidae) in Southeast Asia

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Published: Nov 26, 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.2803.8.13.9574-9578
Keywords:
Brahminy Starling, distribution, first record, Myanmar, Southeast Asia, winter vagrant.

Main Article Content

Soe Naing
Zoology Department, Myeik University, Myeik, Myanmar
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1863-0572
Nah Lah Pwai Paw
Zoology Department, Myeik University, Myeik, Myanmar
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5063-4157
Beatrix Lanzinger
Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph's, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1740-8259
Pipat Soisook
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songhkla Province, Thailand
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1404-3568
Malcolm J. Pearch
Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph's, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6344-5184
Paul J.J. Bates
Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph’s Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3630-739X

Abstract

To date, the status of the Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum, in Southeast Asia has been unclear.  The origins of the few reported sightings, where commented upon, have often been listed as ‘uncertain’ or ‘unknown’ with the implication that some, maybe all, are escaped captivity birds.  The current paper brings together data on distribution, date of observation, and number of individuals to illustrate a pattern that clearly supports the view that records from Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore should be treated as ‘winter vagrants’.  With one exception, they are all of five birds or less and have been observed from October to March.  The paper includes the first authenticate record from Myanmar, which is the 1115th wild bird species listed for the country.  However, the status of a single record from Cambodia is treated with caution since it represents a considerable range extension and was observed on 01 April, which is relatively late in the season.  For these reasons, it is here listed as ‘origin uncertain’ until further data are available. 

 

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 8 No. 13 (2016)
Section
Short Communications

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Author Biographies

Soe Naing, Zoology Department, Myeik University, Myeik, Myanmar

Lecturer, Zoology Department, Myeik University, Myanmar. Special interest Myanmar bird diversity, ecology and behaviour.

Nah Lah Pwai Paw, Zoology Department, Myeik University, Myeik, Myanmar

Professor Head of Department, Zoology Department, Myeik University, Myanmar.

Beatrix Lanzinger, Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph's, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK

Project Manager (Myanmar), Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph's, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK.

Pipat Soisook, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songhkla Province, Thailand

Curator of Zoology (mammals and birds), Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand.

Malcolm J. Pearch, Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph's, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK

Trust Manager and Researcher, Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph's, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK.

Paul J.J. Bates, Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph’s Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK

Director, Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, 15 St Botolph's, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AQ, UK.

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