Jungle Myna

The Jungle Myna is a sturdy, gregarious songbird closely related to the more widespread Common Myna but distinguished by its overall greyer plumage and a small tuft of feathers projecting from the forehead above the bill. Its most distinctive feature at close range is the pale, almost white to blue-white iris, contrasting with the dark plumage of the head.

The bill is yellow with a bluish base, and in flight it shows white wing patches similar to the Common Myna, though it lacks that species' bright yellow bare eye patch.

Key field marks

• Grey-brown body, darker slate-grey head and neck
• Small, upright tuft of feathers on the forehead
• Pale blue-white eye, distinctive at close range
• Yellow bill with a bluish base; white wing patches in flight

Similar species

The Common Myna is browner overall with a yellow (not blue-white) bare eye patch and lacks the forehead tuft. The Bank Myna is paler with an orange eye patch and lacks the tuft as well.

Range

Found across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, and southern China.

Habitat

Occupies open woodland, farmland, grassland, and towns, often near water; more tolerant of semi-natural and rural habitats than the highly urban Common Myna, despite the misleading name.

Migration

Largely resident, with some local seasonal movements linked to food availability.

Behavior

Gregarious, typically seen in pairs or small flocks foraging on the ground or in trees, and roosting communally in large numbers at dusk.

Voice

A range of chattering, gurgling, and squeaky calls similar to other mynas, often given in noisy group interactions.

Feeding

An omnivorous forager, taking insects, fruit, seeds, and scraps, often walking on open ground or following grazing animals to catch disturbed insects.

Nesting and breeding

Nests in tree cavities or building crevices, lined with grass and other soft material. Lays 4-5 eggs, with both parents involved in raising the young.