Alternative names: Ceylon Myna; Sri Lanka Hill Myna; Ceylon Grackle
- Gracula ptilogenys
Identification
25cm. A relatively small, black myna.
- Black plumage with purple gloss
- Two separate yellow wattles on nape
- White patch on wings (large in flight)
- Greyish-white eye, sometimes white
- Orange-red bill with bluish to blackish base
- Deep yellow legs
Sexes similar. Juveniles are browner and less glossy, the eye is darker.
Similar species
Southern Hill Myna has bare yellow skin under the eye and on crown and an all orange bill (with orange base).
Distribution
Endemic to southwest Sri Lanka.
Common in some places, uncommon in others. A restricted-range species, popular in cagebird trade.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Forest, especially rainforest. Also seen in plantations and village gardens. Occurs up to 2000m.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruit, takes also seeds.
Usually seen in pairs.
Breeding
Breeding season February to May, sometimes also August to September. A monogamous species. The nest is placed in a tree hole, often 10m above the ground or higher. Lays 2 eggs.
Movements
A resident species.
References
- Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Sri Lanka Myna. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 13 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Sri_Lanka_Myna
