Kanger Valley National Park, Jagdalpur : 25 June 2016
- Suresh R. - Bangalore email : suresh.hobbies@gmail.com
Bastar Hill Myna
Bastar Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa Peninsularis) is the state bird of Chhattisgarh. A couple of years ago its numbers had drastically reduced. It is because of its mimicking ability and striking appearance that the bird is captured for the pet trade in large numbers.
The Bastar Hill Myna grows up to 29 cm., which is slightly bigger than the Common Myna. It is covered in jet-black feathers and in a striking contrast, has bright yellow wattles or patches of naked skin on the sides and nape of its head. It has a stark orange beak and yellow feet. The Bastar Hill Myna is found only in the central region of India, while sub species of the Hill Myna are native to other parts of India, Sri Lanka, parts of China and South and Southeast Asia. They were once found in Bangladesh, but are now believed to have become locally extinct due to habitat destruction and capture for the pet trade.
It is a master mimic and can copy a wide range of sounds, calls, and whistles, that can be very human like too, if it chooses to imitate us! They tend to mimic everyday sounds, rather than the calls of other birds in the wild.
Source : Sanctuary Asia
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