The southern hill myna is a member of the starling family. It is a resident of the forested regions of south India and Sri Lanka. This species moves around in flocks in the forest, and members of a flock keep in contact with a wide range of vocalizations.
Region
Southwestern India (Western Ghats)
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, extending into forest edges, orchards, and shaded plantations. It favors tall, mature trees with natural cavities for nesting. The species regularly visits fruiting figs and other canopy fruit sources and will use secondary growth where large trees remain. It is largely absent from open, treeless landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The southern hill myna is a striking starling renowned for its loud, flute-like calls and exceptional mimicry of human speech. It is often seen in small, noisy flocks moving through the forest canopy. Trapping for the cage-bird trade has historically affected some populations. Note that Sri Lanka hosts the closely related Sri Lanka hill myna (Gracula ptilogenys).
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight and audible wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, cohesive flocks that maintain contact with loud calls. Pairs nest in natural tree cavities, often high in the canopy, and defend the immediate nest area. They roost communally and may forage together at fruiting trees. Courtship includes vocal displays and mutual preening.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied repertoire of loud, fluty whistles, warbles, screeches, and chattering notes. Highly imitative, it incorporates environmental sounds and other bird calls into its vocalizations.
Plumage
Glossy black with strong greenish-purple iridescence; prominent white wing patches show in flight.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on figs, berries, and other soft fruits taken from the canopy. Supplements its diet with nectar, flower petals, and occasional insects and other invertebrates. It often follows seasonal fruiting trees and may congregate where food is abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the upper and mid canopy of evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Also visits plantations, orchards, and forest edges where large fruiting trees are present.
