Jungle Myna

Taxobox
name = Jungle Myna
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1


regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
familia = Sturnidae
genus = "Acridotheres"
species = "A. fuscus"
binomial = "Acridotheres fuscus"
binomial_authority = (Wagler, 1827)The Jungle Myna, "Acridotheres fuscus", is a myna, a member of the starling family. This bird is a common resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from India and Burma east to Indonesia.

This common passerine is typically found in forest and cultivation. The Jungle Myna builds a nest in hole. The normal clutch is 3-6 eggs.

These 23cm long birds have grey plumage, darker on the head and wings. There are large white wing patches obvious in flight, and a white tail tip. The head has a forehead tuft. The bill and strong legs are bright yellow, and there is no bare skin around eye. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are browner.

They are usually found close to water or rice fields. The southern Indian race has a blue iris.

Like most starlings, the Jungle Myna is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit, grain and insects.

In many parts of Asia, they are kept as pets. As a result, escaped birds have formed feral populations in many countries such as Taiwan.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
* "Birds of India" by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6

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