Hill Myna

The Hill Myna is a striking forest bird cloaked in glossy black plumage that gleams with purple and green iridescence in good light. Its head is adorned with bright yellow fleshy wattles that drape behind the eye and across the nape, paired with an orange-yellow bill and yellow legs -- a combination that makes it instantly recognizable within the forest canopy.

It is best known for its extraordinary vocal ability, capable of reproducing an enormous range of natural and human-made sounds with remarkable clarity, making it one of the most celebrated avian mimics in the world.

Key field marks

• Glossy black body with purple-green iridescent sheen
• Bright yellow fleshy wattles behind the eye and on the nape
• Orange-yellow bill and yellow legs
• Bold white wing patch visible in flight

Similar species

No other forest bird within its range combines glossy black plumage with such prominent yellow head wattles; other mynas in the region are duller and lack wattles.

Range

Found across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of southern China, with numerous geographically distinct subspecies.

Habitat

Inhabits tropical and subtropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, favoring the upper canopy; generally shuns open or heavily deforested land, unlike its urban-adapted relatives.

Migration

Generally resident, though some populations may make local altitudinal movements in response to fruit availability.

Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small groups moving through the forest canopy, often calling loudly to maintain contact between individuals in dense foliage.

Voice

An exceptional vocal mimic, capable of reproducing an extraordinary range of sounds, including other bird calls and, in some contexts, human speech; natural calls include loud, resonant whistles and screeches.

Feeding

Feeds mainly on fruit and nectar from forest trees, supplemented with insects, foraging actively in the canopy.

Nesting and breeding

Nests in tree cavities high in the forest canopy, lined with leaves and other soft material. Lays 2-3 eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.