Where does the Common Hill Myna live?
Gracula religiosa
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Open the appThe Common Hill Myna lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
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.
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.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), occasionally higher.
Where to look
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.
Migration
Resident throughout its range; it does not undertake long-distance migrations. Local movements may occur in response to food availability.
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