Jungle myna

Appearance

These 23-centimetre long birds have grey plumage, darker on the head and wings. There are large white wing patches obvious in flight, and a white tail tip. The head has a forehead tuft. The bill and strong legs are bright yellow, and there is no bare skin around eye. The southern Indian race has a blue iris. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are browner.

They are usually found close to water or rice fields.

Like most starlings, the jungle myna is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit, grain and insects.

In many parts of Asia, they are kept as pets. As a result, escaped birds have formed feral populations in many countries such as Taiwan.

Habitat

This common passerine is typically found in forest and cultivation. The jungle myna builds a nest in hole. The normal clutch is three to six eggs.