See also:
Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758
Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758
Sturnus vulgaris porphyronotus Sharpe, 1888

Synonyms

Sturnus vulgaris menzbieri Sharpe, 1888
Sturnus vulgaris dzungaricus Buturlin, 1904
Sturnus vulgaris zaidamensis Buturlin, 1904

Description. The crown is violet glossy, usually without green tinge; the back, rump and upper tail coverts are green glossy, sometimes with a weak violet tinge; the throat and upper breast are violet glossy; the under breast is green glossy; the abdomen is green glossy with more developed violet tinge than on vulgaris; the ear coverts on the majority of specimens are more violet less green glossy. The underwing coverts have slightly broader than on vulgaris buffy edges. It is close to vulgaris.

Distribution. Breeds in the northern half of Kazakhstan, in south to lower Irgiz and Turgay rivers, Kurgaldzhino Reserve and Zaysan depression. It nests in Pavlodar Trans-Irtysh area, Kalbinskiy Altai and in southwest Altai. On migration it occurs in most parts of Kazakhstan. Sometimes winters on Barsa-Kelmes island. On Chardara reservoir 18-21 December 2003 a lot of birds were observed.

References

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005
Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999.