Hill Myna

Overview

A glossy black bird with orange wattles and exceptional mimicry, one of the best talkers.

History & Origin

The Hill Myna occurs naturally in South & Southeast Asia. Songbirds (Passeriformes) are the largest bird order, found in virtually every habitat on Earth and making up roughly half of all living bird species — from sparrows and finches to thrushes, crows and starlings.

Appearance & Size

It is a Small-Medium (27-31cm) bird. They are typically perching birds with anisodactyl feet and a highly developed syrinx (voice box); plumage and size vary enormously across the group.

Temperament & Behavior

Songbirds are social, vocal and often kept in flocks or pairs; many are beloved cage and aviary birds valued for their song, colour and tameness.

Care & Husbandry

Most eat seeds, insects, fruit and nectar in varying proportions; softbills need fruit and insects, granivores need seeds, and all benefit from variety. Companion songbirds need a clean, adequately sized cage or aviary, species-appropriate seed or soft diet, bathing water and enrichment; canaries and finches are among the most popular.

Health & Lifespan

Common issues include air-sac mite, trichomonosis, egg-binding and nutritional disease. With good care many songbirds live 10-20 years.

Popularity & Recognition

Songbirds dominate global bird diversity and include the world's most familiar urban and aviary species; their songs are central to human culture worldwide.