I have always been telling you about Nature and how it helps us understand our life. As a part of it, today I will explain you about a group of birds called the Rosy Starlings. Rosy Starlings are strong migratory birds which fly from east Europe and central Asia to India.

The main reason for writing this letter on this very small topic is to teach you that merely by knowing the name, you don’t get complete knowledge. I think you also remember the famous quote by Richard Feynman which is as follows:

There is a Difference between Knowing the Name of Something and Really Knowing Something.

Hence, whatever we learn from today, we will make sure that we are Really Knowing that Something and not just its name. Also remember that half knowledge is too dangerous, if someone asks you “what is the name of the bird which migrates from east Europe to India every year?” you may say the correct answer that, it is Rosy Starlings but if you haven’t learned anything else apart from that fact, you may not answer any other question or even the same question twisted and asked in another way. You may even fail to identify the picture of the bird if you just learn the facts.

Therefore we will learn atleast some necessary things about every topic so that our knowledge is alongside with our wisdom.

I will make every letter as short as possible to save your time and provide you with only vital information which is useful to your life. So, do read this letter completely.

Rosy Starlings are strong migratory birds which fly from east Europe and central Asia to India during the winter season. Every year millions of these migratory birds fly from east Europe to various parts of India including the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and the many parts of Andhra including Vijayawada. This bird is also a visitor to Sri Lanka.

Rosy Starlings
Rosy Starlings near Hyderabad. Photo: By J.M.Garg

These birds are highly gregarious in nature which means that they are fond of company and are highly sociable birds. They comfortably roost with other birds such as mynahs (గోరింక ) and live in communal harmony in nature.

Roost meaning: A resting place for birds

communal harmony
Gathering in the evening before roosting in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Photo: By J.M.Garg

Rosy Starlings often fly in formations known as murmurations which are quite delightful to watch especially at dawn and dusk.

Rosy Starlings flying in formations. Photo: iStock.com/mikedabell

Scientists believe that Rosy Starlings murmuration (flying in formations) is to confuse and ward off predators. But scientists don’t actually know the exact reason for their murmuration.

Watch the video showing murmuration of Rosy Starlings

 

Watch this video captured in India. Turn on the Audio for Amazing sound they make

In Andhra Pradesh, these Rosy Starlings arrive usually in the month of September but sometimes they may even arrive in December. They leave India in the month of March back to Europe when the summer season is about to start in India.

It is really fascinating to know how these small birds fly from Europe to India. These birds teach you determination, hard work and being sociable.

These birds not just live in Communal Harmony with each other but they also help farmers. Rosy Starlings eat insects such as grasshoppers and locusts which damage the crop that farmers grow. Therefore these birds act as natural pest control for the crops.

These are some important things about Rosy Starlings. I hope you understood the letter and learn to be in Communal Harmony.

 

Not So Important Facts

Here are some facts which are not so important for you but I have written them only to cover every aspect of this issue. You may skip these facts to save time but make sure to use them for future reference.

1. The scientific name of Rosy starling is Pastor roseus.

2. It is a passerine bird which belongs to the starling family.

3. Although Rosy starlings eat insects such as grasshoppers and locusts, they are also fond of jowar which earned them the nickname “jowari”.

4. In India, especially in the winter season, these birds appear to outnumber the local starlings and mynas.

5. Rosy starling is a summer visitor for north-western Afghanistan and a regular winter visitor in both India and Pakistan.

 

Dedication

I know that this typewritten information may not reach your heart but surely you will know that this letter is written for you and only for you. The main reason for writing this letter in electronic form is only to make this story interactive with pictures and videos where ever necessary, which is quite not possible in the traditional way of letter writing. I hope this letter may help you in your future endeavors and in every part of your life.

I wish every Daughter of my Nation shall become Great and lead a Dignified, Respectable, Happy and lastly a Great Life.

Yours

Beloved Father.

Letters from a Father to His Daughter

 

Bibliography

eBird – Discover a new world of birding

Rosy starling – Wikipedia

The bird ‘swarms’ that charm the city – The Hindu

Harbingers of winter – The Hindu

Nat Geo Traveller India

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