The common hill myna, sometimes spelled "mynah" and formerly simply known as the hill myna or myna bird, is the myna most commonly sighted in aviculture, where it is often simply referred to by the latter two names. It is a member of the starling family (Sturnidae), resident in hill regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The Sri Lanka hill myna, a former subspecies of G. religiosa, is now generally accepted as a separate species G. ptilogenys. The Nias hill myna are also widely accepted as specifically distinct, and many authors favor treating the southern hill myna from the Nilgiris and elsewhere in the Western Ghats of India as a separate species.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Indian Subcontinent through Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, and parts of the Malay Peninsula and islands. Favors moist evergreen and semi-evergreen hill forests, forest edges, bamboo, and secondary growth. Often visits orchards, gardens, and plantations with fruiting trees near villages. Requires large trees for nesting cavities and communal roosts. Locally absent where heavy trapping or habitat loss has occurred.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Renowned for exceptional vocal mimicry, the common hill myna can learn to imitate human speech and a wide range of sounds. It is glossy black with striking yellow-orange wattles and a bright bill, and flashes bold white wing patches in flight. Heavy trapping for the cage-bird trade has caused regional declines, though the species remains widespread overall. It nests in tree cavities, making mature forests with large trees especially important.
Pair of G. r. intermedia at Madi, Nepal
Courting pair allopreening at Jayanti in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, India
Adult at Jurong Bird Park, Singapore
Eggs
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small, chattering groups, and forms larger flocks at communal roosts. Monogamous pairs nest in natural tree cavities or holes in tall trunks. They defend nest sites but forage socially, often following fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, varied whistles, gurgles, and metallic notes, often delivered from exposed perches. Exceptional mimic capable of copying other birds and human-made sounds. Calls carry far across valleys in hill country.
