Gracula religiosa
The Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) is a striking member of the starling family (Sturnidae), renowned for its glossy black plumage, a stout, bright orange-yellow bill, and distinctive, fleshy yellow wattles on the side and back of its head. These wattles, varying in shape and size among subspecies, are a key identifying feature. Averaging 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in length, this medium-sized bird also displays prominent white patches on its primary wing feathers, visible primarily in flig...
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical broadleaf evergreen and moist deciduous forests, often near forest edges or clearings. They typically inhabit lowland areas but can be found up to elevations of around 2000 meters (6,500 feet).
Their diet primarily consists of ripe fruits, especially figs and berries, along with a significant portion of insects and spiders. They occasionally consume nectar and small vertebrates.
Common Hill Mynas are diurnal, active from dawn till dusk, foraging in pairs or small family groups, occasionally joining larger flocks at abundant fruiting trees or communal roosts in tall trees. They are primarily arboreal foragers, gleaning fruits and insects from tree canopies, but will also ...
The Common Hill Myna boasts a wide geographic distribution across South and Southeast Asia, extending from the Himalayan foothills of India, Nepal, and Bhutan, eastward through Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its range continues south through the Malay Peninsula, Singa...
Least Concern
- The Common Hill Myna is considered one of the best vocal mimics in the avian world, capable of imitating human speech with remarkable clarity and intonation. - The unique fleshy yellow wattles on its head are not just for show; their shape and extent vary between subspecies and are crucial for ...