🐦 Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) – The Talking Jewel of the Canopy

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March 21, 2025
Flora & Fauna
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🐦 Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) – The Talking Jewel of the Canopy

The Hill Myna is one of the most iconic and vocal birds of South and Southeast Asia. Renowned for its exceptional mimicry and brilliant plumage, this forest-loving starling is often heard before it’s seen. Although it prefers evergreen and moist deciduous forests, the Hill Myna is also occasionally reported from high-canopy zones and edges of the Sundarbans, particularly in areas with tall trees and minimal disturbance.

🏷 Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Sturnidae
  • Genus: Gracula
  • Species: Gracula religiosa

🗣️ Name Origin: “Religiosa” reflects the bird’s sacred status in some cultures—it’s long been revered for its “human-like” voice and spiritual symbolism.

🔬 Morphology & Physical Characteristics

  • Size: Medium, about 26–30 cm (10–12 inches) in length.
  • Weight: Approximately 200–250 grams.
  • Coloration:
    • Glossy jet-black plumage with a greenish-purple sheen.
    • Bright orange-yellow wattles (skin flaps) on the side of the head.
    • Yellow bill and legs, vivid and unmistakable.
  • Distinct Features:
    • Short tail and broad wings.
    • Stout, slightly curved yellow bill.
    • Loud, varied vocalizations, including whistles, squawks, and mimicry.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

The Hill Myna is a forest specialist, favoring high-humidity, densely wooded areas.

🌎 Key Habitats:
✅ Eastern and Northeastern India, Western Ghats, and Andaman Islands.
✅ Moist evergreen forests, forest edges, and riverine groves.
✅ Sundarbans (fringe areas) – Very occasional sightings in tall-canopy patches and buffer zones with minimal disturbance.

📌 Preferred Habitat:

  • Tall, mature forest trees for roosting and nesting.
  • Riverbanks and forested hill slopes with dense vegetation.
  • Fruit-rich zones, as diet is largely frugivorous.

✨ Special Features & Adaptations

1️⃣ Master Mimic – Can imitate human speech and other bird calls with incredible accuracy. 🗣️
2️⃣ Cavity-Nesting Bird – Nests in tree hollows, often reusing the same spot each year. 🪵
3️⃣ Frugivore with a Twist – Mainly eats fruits, but also takes insects and nectar. 🍇🐛
4️⃣ Pairs for Life – Often seen in monogamous pairs or small family groups. 💑
5️⃣ High Forest Specialist – Prefers unspoiled forest canopy, making it vulnerable to habitat loss. 🌳

🌿 Presence in the Sundarbans

Though not common in true mangrove habitat, the Hill Myna may be observed in:

📌 Tall tree stands near the Sundarbans buffer zones and ecotourism camps.
📌 Mixed forest groves near village orchards and riverbanks.
📌 Islands and higher land zones within the estuarine matrix.

🕊️ Their presence is more likely in less saline, drier pockets where fruiting trees like fig, guava, or banyan are available.

⚠️ Threats & Conservation Challenges

🚨 Illegal bird trade – Poached for its voice and popularity as a cage bird.
🚨 Habitat fragmentation – Loss of tall nesting trees impacts breeding success.
🚨 Deforestation and monoculture plantations – Reduces foraging variety.
🚨 Human disturbance in forest edges – Affects their shy behavior and nesting.

✅ Conservation Measures

✔ Enforcement against illegal wildlife trade and bird markets.
✔ Preservation of tall, mature forest trees, especially near villages and forest fringes.
✔ Community engagement and awareness programs in Sundarbans fringe zones.
✔ Promotion of eco-tourism and birdwatching, encouraging locals to conserve rather than capture.

🚨 Conservation Status

📌 IUCN Red List: Least Concern, but declining locally in many regions due to trapping.
📌 CITES: Appendix II (regulated international trade).
📌 Indian Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule I (maximum legal protection).

🌍 Though not globally threatened, it is regionally vulnerable, especially in heavily trafficked wildlife trade routes.

The Hill Myna is not just a bird—it’s a symbol of forest vibrancy and vocal brilliance. Its occasional appearance in the Sundarbans fringe signals the presence of healthy, tall-canopy patches. Protecting this bird requires safeguarding mature trees, educating local communities, and eliminating the cage bird trade. With mindful conservation, the enchanting voice of the Hill Myna can continue to echo through the forest. 🌳🐦🎶

🌟 Credit Note

🌿 Discover the hidden treasures of the Sundarbans with a Sundarban luxury tour. 🛶✨
🌍 Plan a tailor-made Sundarban private tour package and enjoy immersive nature experiences. 🐯🌴
🐟 Savor Bengal’s culinary heritage at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 🎣🍽.

For more details, visit the Hill Myna Wikipedia Page.