Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)

Family: STURNIDAE

A large old world family of robust birds with powerful, sharp, straight beaks and long legs. They are mostly gregarious and most species feed on the ground where they walk in a characteristic jaunty manner. They feed on fruits and invertebrates. Most species nest in tree holes. They are noisy, garrulous birds with harsh calls and a capacity to imitate other birds' calls.

Twelve species, of which nine are resident, occur in the Greater Sundas but two of these are probably introduced. The status of another species, the Coleto, recorded from one small island off Borneo, remains unclear.

Description: Large (30 cm) glossy black starling with conspicuous white wing patches and diagnostic orange wattles and lappets on sides of head.

Iris - dark brown; bill - orange; feet - yellow.

Voice: Loud, clear, piercing tiong and an enormous range of clear whistles and calls mimicking other birds and even gibbons.

Distribution and status: Locally common throughout the lowlands of Borneo (including islands), up to 1000 m.

Habits: Keeps to tall trees and lives in pairs, sometimes gathering in flocks.