Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus)

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๐Ÿฆ Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) โ€“ The Woodland Songster of the Indian Subcontinent

The Jungle Myna is a sleek, intelligent, and vocal starling species, known for its affinity to woodland areas, cultivated lands, and semi-urban environments. Unlike its cousin the Common Myna, this species is more associated with natural and semi-natural habitats and can occasionally be spotted in the fringe zones of the Sundarbans, particularly near forest edges and village groves.


๐Ÿท Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Sturnidae
  • Genus: Acridotheres
  • Species: Acridotheres fuscus

๐ŸŒฟ The Jungle Myna is easily identified by its distinct head tuft and natural preference for wooded landscapes, unlike the more urban-adapted Common Myna.


๐Ÿ”ฌ Morphology & Physical Characteristics

  • Size: Medium-sized, about 22โ€“24 cm (8.5โ€“9.5 inches) long.
  • Weight: Ranges between 95โ€“110 grams.
  • Coloration:
    • Glossy bluish-black plumage on the head and neck.
    • Slate-grey to dark brown body.
    • Bright orange-yellow bill and legs.
    • Distinct tuft of feathers (head crest) at the forehead.
  • Eye: Pale blue to whitish iris โ€“ unlike the yellow iris of the Common Myna.

๐ŸŒ Habitat & Distribution

The Jungle Myna is widespread across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, favoring woodlands, gardens, plantations, and rural landscapes.

๐ŸŒŽ Key Habitats:
โœ… Eastern India & West Bengal, including Sundarbans fringe zones.
โœ… Forest edges, groves, agricultural fields, and orchards.
โœ… Villages and temple gardens with tall trees.

๐Ÿ“Œ In the Sundarbans:

  • Found mostly in fringe villages, buffer zones, and non-tidal forest patches.
  • Sometimes visits eco-tourism camps and homestead gardens where fruit trees are abundant.

โœจ Special Features & Adaptations

1๏ธโƒฃ Head Crest โ€“ A unique feather tuft gives it a distinct silhouette. ๐ŸŽฉ
2๏ธโƒฃ Omnivorous Feeder โ€“ Eats fruits, insects, grains, and food scraps. ๐Ÿชฑ๐Ÿ‰
3๏ธโƒฃ Nest in Natural Cavities โ€“ Often in tree hollows, crevices, or even abandoned woodpecker nests. ๐Ÿชต
4๏ธโƒฃ Sociable & Vocal โ€“ Known for soft warbles and mimicry of other birds’ calls. ๐ŸŽถ
5๏ธโƒฃ Helpful to Farmers โ€“ Feeds on agricultural pests, making it beneficial to crops.


๐ŸŒฟ Presence in the Sundarbans

While not a deep mangrove species, the Jungle Myna is commonly observed in the transitional zones between human settlements and forest edges.

๐Ÿ“Œ Observed in:
โœ” Fruit orchards and coconut groves near Sundarban villages.
โœ” Buffer zones and eco-resorts with tall trees.
โœ” Agroforestry regions with ample nesting and feeding sites.


โš ๏ธ Threats & Conservation Challenges

๐Ÿšจ Loss of nesting trees due to habitat fragmentation.
๐Ÿšจ Competition with invasive mynas like the Common Myna in urban edges.
๐Ÿšจ Pesticide use reducing insect populations.
๐Ÿšจ Urban expansion pushing the species away from core habitats.


โœ… Conservation & Awareness

โœ” Tree preservation programs in rural areas.
โœ” Insecticide-free farming to support food sources.
โœ” Eco-tourism birdwatching walks to promote appreciation for native species.
โœ” Nesting box initiatives to support breeding.


๐Ÿšจ Conservation Status

๐Ÿ“Œ IUCN Red List: Least Concern โœ…
๐Ÿ“Œ CITES: Not Listed
๐Ÿ“Œ Indian Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule IV (Moderate Protection)

Though widespread, the Jungle Mynaโ€™s dependence on natural woodland habitat means it could be impacted by rapid land-use change in the long term.


The Jungle Myna is a vital member of Indiaโ€™s woodland avifauna, offering natural pest control and seed dispersal. Its occasional presence in the Sundarbans fringe reminds us of the biodiversity supported by mixed landscapes of forest and farmland. With sustainable development and conservation efforts, this charismatic bird will continue to thrive. ๐ŸŒณ๐Ÿฆ


๐ŸŒŸ Credit Note

๐ŸŒฟ Discover the edge-of-forest beauty of the Sundarbans with a Sundarban luxury tour. ๐Ÿ›ถโœจ
๐ŸŒ Plan your personalized Sundarban private tour package to explore rural and wild life up close. ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿฏ
๐ŸŸ Enjoy Bengalโ€™s most flavorful festivity at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 ๐ŸŽฃ๐Ÿฝ.


For more information, visit the Jungle Myna Wikipedia Page.

Other important pages link :

๐ŸŸ Fish, Forest, and Folklore โ€” All Included in Our Sundarban Tour Package!
Dive deep into Bengalโ€™s traditions with every moment of your stay.

๐ŸŽจ A Sundarban Tour paints its palette with mangrove greens, river blues, and predator golds