Common Hill Myna

The Common Hill Myna is a glossy black songbird native to forested regions of South and Southeast Asia, well known for its ability to mimic human speech and other sounds in captivity. In the wild, it is a canopy-dwelling bird of tropical and subtropical forest, easily recognized by its bright bare head wattles and bold wing markings.

Flight feathers: black with a large, bold white patch at the base of the primaries, forming a striking white flash visible in flight. Tail feathers: short, squared, and glossy black. Body feathers: entirely glossy black with a strong purplish-green iridescent sheen, set off by a stout orange-yellow bill and fleshy yellow wattles on the head and nape (not feathered). The large white wing patch and overall glossy black plumage, combined with head wattles, distinguish this species from other black-plumaged mynas and starlings in its range.

Sexes look alike. Adults are glossy black overall with iridescent green-purple highlights, a bold white wing patch, an orange-yellow bill, and bright yellow bare wattles on the head and nape. Juveniles are duller black with reduced wattle development and a darker bill, gaining full head ornamentation as they mature. There is no strong seasonal plumage variation.

Common Hill Mynas inhabit tropical and subtropical evergreen forest across South and Southeast Asia, typically favoring the forest canopy and edge habitats. The species is generally resident, with some local movements related to fruiting tree availability.

This myna forages primarily in the forest canopy, taking fruit, nectar, and insects, and often moves in pairs or small noisy groups. It nests in tree cavities, typically high in large forest trees. Common Hill Mynas are highly vocal, producing a wide range of loud whistles, clicks, and other calls, and are famous for their strong ability to mimic human speech and other sounds, particularly in captivity.