The Sri Lanka Myna, Ceylon Myna or Sri Lanka Hill Myna (Gracula ptilogenys), is a myna, a member of the starling family. This bird is endemic to Sri Lanka.
This passerine is typically found in forest and cultivation. The Sri Lanka Myna builds a nest in a hole. The normal clutch is two eggs.
Sri Lanka Mynas Description
These 25 – 29 cm (~8.5 inches) long birds have green-glossed black plumage, purple-tinged on the head and neck. There are large white wing patches, which are obvious in flight. The strong legs are bright yellow, and there are yellow wattles (loose folds of skin) on the nape (back of the neck).
The different shape and position of the wattles and the stouter orange-red bill distinguish this species from the Southern Hill Myna, which also occurs in Sri Lankan forests. This is the only Hill Mynah that lacks wattles (loose folds of skin) on the sides of face.
It talks well and is eagerly sought after locally as a caged bird.
Males and females look alike, but juveniles have a duller bill.
Diet / Feeding
Like most starlings, the Sri Lanka Myna is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit, nectar and insects.
