Fr: Mainate de Ceylan
Ang: Sri Lanka Hill Myna - Ceylon Myna
All: Dschungelbeo
Esp: Miná Cingalés
Ita: Gracula di Sri Lanka
Nd: Ceylonbeo
Sd: ceylonbeostare
Photographers:
Steve Garvie
RAINBIRDER Photo galleries
Philip Stapelberg
GALLERY
Alan & Ann Tate
AA Bird Photography
Illustrator:
John Gerrard Keulemans (1842–1912)
Illustration’s Origin: A History of the Birds of Ceylon. Volume 2
Text by Nicole Bouglouan
Sources:
HANDBOOK OF THE BIRDS OF THE WORLD Vol 14 by Josep del Hoyo-Andrew Elliot-David Christie - Lynx Edicions – ISBN: 9788496553507
STARLINGS AND MYNAS by Chris Feare and Adrian Craig. Christopher HELM - ISBN: 071353961X
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Sri Lanka Hill Myna
Gracula ptilogenys
Passeriformes Order – Sturnidae Family
INTRODUCTION:
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is endemic to Sri Lanka where it frequents the wet hills and lowland forests, providing an ideal habitat to this species. It can be observed perched on tree branches where it forages for food. It is mainly a fruit-eater, eating wild fig and the fruit of the “Sapu” (Magnolia champaca) which are its favourites. But nectar and insects are also part of the diet.
The species nests in tree holes, natural cavities or abandoned by woodpeckers. Both adults share the nesting duties.
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is affected by habitat degradation caused by excessive clearance involving fragmentation of forests. In addition, the nestlings may sometimes be taken for cagebird trade.
The population is declining and the species is currently listed as Near Threatened.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BIRD:
Biometrics:
Length: 25 cm
Weight: 150-200 g
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna adult male has black plumage overall with strong purple gloss on the body, giving the bird a sleek, elegant appearance. Depending on lighting conditions, the feathers may reflect shades of blue, purple and green with, in addition, a metallic sheen. On the upperwing, the large, white wing-patches at bases of primaries flight-feathers are obvious in flight. The wings are broad and short. The tail is long and slightly rounded at tip.
On the black head, the forehead’s feathers project upwards and forwards, and form small spiky tufts. Two yellow separate wattles are visible on the nape.
The bill is stout and slightly curved. It is orange-yellow with bluish/blackish base. It is large and strong, well-adapted to crack open hard-shelled fruits.
The eyes of the male are brown.
Legs and feet are deep yellow.
Female with white eyes (top)
Male with brown eyes (bottom)
The female is very similar, but she has whitish eyes and the lower mantle is glossed green, not purple.
The juvenile is browner and duller than adults. The nuchal wattles are very small. The base of the bill is paler.
RANGE:
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is endemic to Sri Lanka and occurs mainly in the SW of the island.
HABITAT:
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is a bird of the wet zone where it frequents the wet hill forests up to 2,000 metres of elevation.
The species occurs in a range of habitats, but mainly in the hill country. These regions provide lush greenery, dense forests and misty mountains, an ideal habitat for this species.
However, it is also found in lowland forests, known for their rich biodiversity. The bird has also adapted to human settlements and can be seen in urban areas where it occurs in parks and gardens, including in cities and towns.
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is adaptable to different habitat types, and this fact contributes to its survival on the island.
CALLS AND SONGS: SOUNDS BY XENO-CANTO
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is known for its melodious call and its vocal abilities, probably playing a role in courtship rituals and other social interactions. They are used to establish the territory and to attract mates, but also to communicate with other group members.
The bird calls while moving about continuously through the high canopy. It gives loud, drawn out, whistling calls. A loud “h’yoch” is frequently uttered. We can also hear short, harsh, guttural calls. Some calls are described as “hyu”, “piau” and “peeoo” which are shrilly whistled in a carrying high-pitched voice.
While it is flying, the wings produce a musical hum audible from moderate distance.
This species is an excellent mimic, able to imitate various sounds including human speech, other bird calls and mechanical noises such as car alarm and phones ringtones.
BEHAVIOUR IN THE WILD:
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is an omnivorous species. it feeds on fruit, insects, small reptiles and occasionally small mammals.
Its favourite fruits are wild figs (banyan, bo and nuga figs) and the fruit of the “Sapu” (Magnolia champaca).
It also scavenges for food and is able to find meals in various environments.
This species has a strong beak allowing it to crack open hard shells to reach the flesh of the fruits.
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna usually lives in pairs or in small groups. It is highly social. However, it defends its territory, and during the breeding period, nesting sites and feeding areas are strongly defended against other birds.
During the breeding season, the male performs courtship displays to attract a female. The bird can be seen puffing up the feathers while spreading the wings to enhance the large, white wing-patches. The yellow wattles are moving during the displays. It also vocalizes loudly.
Following pair-formation and copulation, both mates establish the nesting site, usually in tree cavities but also nest-boxes. Both adults share the nesting duties. They are monogamous.
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is resident breeder in Sri Lanka. They move in pairs or in small groups of about six individuals, but they congregate in larger numbers at suitable fruiting trees.
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna has short, broad wings allowing quick and agile flight. But the species is also known for its acrobatic flight. It often soars through the forest canopy where it perches at tree top. It likes launching itself out into mid-air from these high tree-tops, while uttering its metallic-sounding whistles and other loud calls. Then, it circles around before to return to its perch where it continues to vocalize.
While flying, the wings produce a musical hum.
REPRODUCTION OF THIS SPECIES:
The breeding season takes place in the early part of the year, from February to May, but a second period may occur in August-September.
Following courtship displays and copulation, both adults build the nest. This species nests in tree holes, sometimes abandoned by woodpeckers, but also in nest-boxes when available. The site is located within the forest or in adjacent areas.
Both adults bring plant material to the cavity such as twigs, grass and others, and some softer material probably for the lining of the central cup. The hole is usually placed between 8 and 10 metres above the ground.
The female lays 3-5 pale blue eggs with purplish-brown markings. However, the clutch usually contains only 2 eggs. She incubates during 14-16 days.
At hatching, the chicks are blind and naked, and the female keeps them warm. Both parents feed them on insects, fruits and nectar. About 30-35 days later, the young are covered with feathers and fledge, leaving the nest to explore the surroundings. They are still fed and protected by both adults.
They will become fully independent several months later. They learn from their parents how to forage for food and to recognize potential threats. At this moment, they become independent.
PROTECTION / THREATS / STATUS:
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is threatened by habitat degradation and fragmentation caused by extensive logging, forest clearance for agriculture expansion, fires and urbanisation.
The nestlings are occasionally taken for cagebird trade.
The species is described as uncommon to local, but the size of the population is unknown and it is suspected to be declining. However, the species is able to adapt to different habitat types, which contributes to its survival on the island.
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna is currently listed as Near Threatened.
