Nias hill myna

The Nias hill myna or Nias 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 large, stocky and superficially crow-like myna is the largest of the hill mynas and may be the largest living species in starling family. It ranges from 30 to 36 cm (12 to 14 in) in total length. Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 20 to 21.3 cm (7.9 to 8.4 in), the tail is 9.9 to 10.8 cm (3.9 to 4.3 in), the bill is 3.1 to 3.4 cm (1.2 to 1.3 in) and the tarsus is 4.4 to 5 cm (1.7 to 2.0 in).^[1] Body weight in the species has been reported as up to 400 g (14 oz).^[2] The Nias hill myna has 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 talking 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.