Nias Myna

Nias Myna
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Sturnidae
Genus:	Gracula
Species:	G. robusta
Binomial name
Gracula robusta Salvadori, 1887

The Nias Myna or Nias Hill Myna (Gracula robusta ) is a member of the starling family. It is an endemic resident of Nias and other nearby islands off western Sumatra.

Description

This is a large stocky crow-like myna, 30 – 36 cm length, with mainly purple-glossed black plumage. It has bright orange-yellow patches of naked skin and large fleshy yellow wattles on the side of its head and nape. There are large white wing patches which are obvious in flight. The massive bill is mainly red, and the strong legs are bright yellow.

Behaviour

This myna is arboreal, and is found mainly in flocks in hill forests. Like most starlings, the Nias Myna is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit, nectar and insects.

This bird is famous for its taliking abilities, and fetches a high price. It is under pressure from trapping for the illegal pet trade, and from habitat destruction, since most indigenous forest has been destroyed. In a bird survey of Nias Island in 1990, Dymond failed to find any Nias Mynas in a 17 day stay.

References

• Dymond, N., A survey of the birds of Nias Island, Sumatra, Kukila 7: 10-27
• Feare, Chris; Craig, Adrian (1999). Starlings and Mynas. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-7136-3961-X.