Birdsong field guide
Common Hill Myna
Gracula religiosa
A large, glossy black member of the starling family distinguished by its vibrant yellow facial wattles and orange-red bill. It is renowned globally for its unparalleled ability to mimic human speech and diverse environmental sounds.
What it sounds like
An array of loud, descending whistles, metallic shrieks, and guttural gurgles, frequently interspersed with perfect imitations of other animal calls.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Possesses exceptional vocal mimicry skills, capable of reproducing human voices with startling clarity and tone.
- Features distinctive bright yellow patches of bare skin, known as wattles, located below the eyes and extending to the nape.
- Primarily arboreal and frugivorous, rarely descending to the ground as it feeds mainly on figs and other forest fruits.
- Forms strong monogamous pair bonds and typically nests in high tree cavities, often those excavated by woodpeckers.
- Exhibits a unique flight pattern characterized by heavy, noisy wingbeats and a direct, rapid trajectory through the canopy.
Habitat
Moist tropical evergreen forests, forest edges, and cultivated areas with tall trees.
Range
South and Southeast Asia, ranging from the foothills of the Himalayas through India to Indonesia.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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