Sri Lanka Myna
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| Gracula ptilogenys Blyth, 1846 |
The Sri Lanka Myna, Gracula ptilogenys, is a myna, a member of the starling family. This bird is an endemic resident breeder in 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.
These 25cm 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 on the nape.
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. The sexes are similar, but juveniles have a duller bill.
Like most starlings, the Sri Lanka Myna is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit, nectar and insects.
[edit] References
- Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6
