Region

East and Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Breeds widely in eastern and southern China and disperses southward in winter to warmer lowlands, with some birds reaching Taiwan and northern Indochina. It favors open countryside interspersed with trees, agricultural lands, river valleys, and suburban greenspaces. Large communal roosts form in reeds, mangroves, and city trees during the non-breeding season. It adapts readily to human presence and often exploits rice fields and orchards.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats

Social Behavior

Highly gregarious outside the breeding season, forming large, noisy flocks that move between feeding sites and communal roosts. Nests colonially or semi-colonially in tree cavities, building crevices, and nest boxes. Pairs are typically seasonal monogamists, with both sexes contributing to nest building and chick rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Varied warbling song with whistles, chatters, and brief mimicry of other birds. Calls include sharp chatters and metallic notes, especially at roosts and in flight.

Diet

Feeds on insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, which are taken from the ground and low vegetation. Also consumes fruits and berries, including mulberries and figs, and readily takes grains and rice. Opportunistic forager that may exploit human food sources in urban areas.

Preferred Environment

Forages in rice paddies, harvested fields, orchards, park lawns, and wetland edges. Will also glean from shrubs and low trees, especially when fruiting.