Common Hill Myna

Identification

The common hill myna is a stocky, jet-black starling approximately 29 cm in length, noticeably larger than the common myna. Its most distinctive features are bright orange-yellow naked skin patches and fleshy wattles on the sides of its head and nape. The plumage is overall green-glossed black with purple tinges on the head and neck. In flight, large white wing patches are conspicuous; these are mostly hidden when the bird is perched. The bill and strong legs are bright yellow, and yellow wattles extend from the eye to the nape where they join. Sexes are similar in appearance, though juveniles have duller bills. Different subspecies vary subtly in size, wattle patterns, and plumage glossiness.

Range & Habitat

The common hill myna is found across the hills of South and Southeast Asia as a resident breeder. Its range extends from Kumaon in India eastward through Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh, across the lower Himalayas, terai, and foothills up to 2,000 m elevation. Distribution continues east through Southeast Asia, reaching southern China, Thailand, northern Indonesia, and the Philippines (Palawan). Nine recognized subspecies occupy different regions across this vast range, from northeastern peninsular India to various Indonesian islands including Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Behaviour & Diet

The common hill myna is highly vocal, particularly at dawn and dusk, producing loud, shrill descending whistles followed by various calls. Both sexes have extraordinary vocal ranges, including melodious whistles, wails, screeches, and gurgles that often sound remarkably human-like. Each individual possesses a repertoire of three to 13 call types learned when young, with dialects varying rapidly across geography—birds separated by more than 15 km share no common call types. The species is found in small groups in forest clearings high in the canopy. In captivity, common hill mynas are renowned mimics, rivaling the grey parrot in their ability to reproduce human speech, whistled tunes, and everyday sounds with astonishing accuracy, though they do not imitate other birds in the wild.

Best Time & Places to See It

The common hill myna is most active and vocal during dawn and dusk hours, when birds gather in small flocks in high forest clearings. Look for them in hilly and mountainous regions across South and Southeast Asia, particularly in Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, and Indonesia. The species is relatively common throughout its range and one of the most frequently spotted birds in Asian aviculture, making it accessible to dedicated birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts across the region.

Photography Tips

To photograph the common hill myna effectively, plan visits during dawn and dusk when birds are most active and vocal, making them easier to locate. Position yourself to capture the distinctive white wing patches, which are visible only in flight—anticipate takeoff moments from forest clearings in the canopy. The bright yellow bill, legs, and facial wattles provide excellent contrast against the jet-black plumage and should be rendered sharply. Small group dynamics offer compositional opportunities; patience in high-elevation forest habitats will reward you with clear views of these striking starlings in their natural setting.