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The Common Hill Myna is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family, Sturnidae. Renowned for its ability to mimic human speech and a wide range of other sounds, it is characterized by its glossy black plumage, bright orange-yellow bill, and prominent yellow wattles on the sides of its head. It is native to South and Southeast Asia and is often kept as a cage bird due to its vocal talents.
Size & lifespan
- Length
- 25-30 cm
- Wingspan
- 40-45 cm
- Weight
- 160-250 g
- Lifespan
- 15-25 years (in captivity, shorter in wild)
- Diet
- Omnivore (primarily frugivorous and insectivorous)
Physical characteristics
- Plumage
- Entirely glossy black with a purple-green sheen, especially noticeable in good light. It has prominent white patches at the base of the primary flight feathers, visible in flight.
- Beak shape
- Stout, conical, and sharply pointed, bright orange-yellow in color, fading to yellow at the tip.
- Eye color
- Dark brown, almost black.
- Leg color
- Bright yellow, with strong feet and claws.
- Distinguishing features
- The most distinctive features are the bright yellow fleshy wattles on the sides of the head. These wattles vary in shape and size depending on the subspecies, but typically consist of a large wattle extending from below the eye to the nape, and a smaller wattle below the eye. The bright orange-yellow bill is also a key identifier.
- Juvenile appearance
- Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage, less glossy black, and their bill and wattles are paler yellow, gradually developing the adult's vibrant orange-yellow coloration.
- Seasonal changes
- No significant seasonal changes in plumage. The brightness of the wattles and bill may vary slightly with age and health.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Males and females are monomorphic, meaning they look identical in plumage and size. Sexing typically requires genetic testing or observation of breeding behavior.
How to identify
- 1
Plumage
Look for the overall glossy black plumage with a purple-green sheen. The white wing patches, visible in flight, are a key field mark.
- 2
Head Markings
Identify the bright yellow-orange bill and, most importantly, the prominent yellow fleshy wattles on the sides of the head. The shape and extent of these wattles are crucial for distinguishing subspecies and similar species.
- 3
Vocalizations
Listen for its incredibly diverse and loud calls, including whistles, screeches, gurgles, and mimicry. Its unique vocal repertoire is often the first indicator of its presence.
- 4
Behavior
Observe its arboreal habits, foraging in the canopy for fruits and insects. They are often seen in pairs or small groups, actively moving through the trees.
Habitat & range
- Biomes
- Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, evergreen forests, deciduous forests, forest edges, and cultivated areas with tall trees.
- Geographic range
- Native to South and Southeast Asia, from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal eastward through Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and other islands), and the Philippines. Introduced populations exist in some other regions.
- Elevation range
- Typically found from sea level up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), occasionally higher.
- Preferred environments
- Prefers tall, mature trees in humid environments, often near clearings or forest edges. They are frequently found in plantations, gardens, and even urban parks with suitable tree cover.
Behavior
- Activity time
- Diurnal, most active during the morning and late afternoon.
- Feeding habits
- Primarily arboreal, feeding mainly on fruits (especially figs, berries, and drupes) and insects. They will also consume nectar, small lizards, and other small invertebrates. They forage in the canopy, often in pairs or small groups.
- Social behavior
- Typically seen in pairs or small family groups. Outside the breeding season, they may form larger communal roosts. They are generally quite vocal and conspicuous.
- Flight pattern
- Strong, direct flight with rapid wing beats. White wing patches are very conspicuous in flight. They are agile flyers within the forest canopy.
- Migration pattern
- Resident throughout its range; it does not undertake long-distance migrations. Local movements may occur in response to food availability.
- Territoriality
- Pairs defend a breeding territory during the nesting season, but are less territorial outside of it.
Song & calls
- Song
- The Common Hill Myna is famous for its incredibly varied and complex vocalizations. Its 'song' is not a typical melodic song but a rich repertoire of whistles, screeches, gurgles, chattering, clicks, and bell-like calls. It is an accomplished mimic, imitating other birds, animals, and human speech with remarkable accuracy and clarity.
- Call
- Common calls include loud, piercing whistles like 'tew-tew-tew' or 'skweee-oo', harsh chattering 'churrr', and various gurgling or croaking sounds. Alarm calls are typically sharp and harsh. They often incorporate mimicked sounds into their calls.
- When they vocalize
- Vocalizes throughout the day, especially active in the early morning and late afternoon. They are particularly vocal when foraging or communicating with their mate or group members.
Breeding & reproduction
- Breeding season
- Varies geographically, generally from April to July in most parts of its range, coinciding with the rainy season and abundant food resources.
- Nesting habits
- Monogamous. Nests are typically built in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, high up in tall trees. Both parents participate in nest construction, lining the cavity with leaves, twigs, and feathers.
- Clutch size
- 2-4 eggs, most commonly 2-3.
- Egg description
- Typically 2-3 eggs, sometimes 4. Eggs are pale blue or greenish-blue, speckled or blotched with reddish-brown or purple markings, particularly at the larger end.
- Incubation period
- Approximately 13-17 days, primarily by the female.
- Fledging period
- Chicks fledge (leave the nest) around 25-28 days after hatching. Both parents feed the young.
- Parental care
- Both male and female participate in incubation (though female does most) and extensively in feeding and caring for the nestlings and fledglings.
Where to find
Tropical Forests
Look in the canopy of tall trees in primary and secondary tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests.
Forest Edges and Clearings
Often found at the edges of forests, near clearings, or along rivers where fruit-bearing trees are abundant.
Plantations and Gardens
In areas with human habitation, they can be found in fruit plantations, large gardens, and parks with mature trees.
Field tips
- Listen for calls. Their loud and distinctive vocalizations are often the easiest way to locate them, even before seeing them. Pay attention to unusual whistles or mimicry.
- Scan the canopy. They spend most of their time high in the tree canopy. Use binoculars to scan the upper branches of fruiting trees.
- Look for movement. Despite their dark plumage, their active foraging and the flash of white wing patches in flight can draw attention.
- Visit fruiting trees. Focus on areas with abundant fruiting trees, especially figs, as these are a primary food source.
Similar species
Southern Hill Myna
Gracula indica
Previously considered a subspecies of Common Hill Myna, now recognized as a distinct species. It is generally smaller, has a single, undivided wattle that extends from below the eye to the nape, and lacks the separate wattle below the eye found in most Common Hill Myna subspecies. Its vocalizations may also differ subtly.
Enggano Hill Myna
Gracula enganensis
Endemic to Enggano Island, Indonesia. Distinguished by its smaller size and the shape of its wattles, which are typically smaller and more restricted to the nape area compared to the Common Hill Myna.
Nias Hill Myna
Gracula robusta
A much larger species, endemic to Nias Island, Indonesia. It has a significantly larger bill and more extensive, often more complex, wattles than the Common Hill Myna. Its size is the most obvious distinguishing feature.
Quick facts
- Scientific Name:
- Gracula religiosa
- Family:
- Sturnidae (Starlings)
- Diet:
- Omnivore (fruits, insects)
- Habitat:
- Tropical and subtropical forests
- Conservation Status:
- Least Concern
- Distinguishing Feature:
- Yellow wattles and orange-yellow bill
- Vocalization:
- Highly varied, excellent mimic
Fun facts
- The Common Hill Myna is one of the best-known avian mimics in the world, capable of reproducing a wide array of sounds, including human speech, with remarkable clarity and accuracy.
- Its scientific name, 'religiosa', refers to the practice of keeping these birds in temples and monasteries in Asia, where their vocal abilities were highly valued.
- There are several recognized subspecies of Common Hill Myna, each with slight variations in size and the shape/extent of their yellow head wattles.
- The trade in Hill Mynas for the pet industry has historically been a significant threat to wild populations, though conservation efforts and CITES regulations have helped to mitigate this in some areas.
Scientific classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sturnidae
- Genus
- Gracula
- Species
- Gracula religiosa
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