General

Hill Myna: Large, stocky glossy black starling with bright orange bill, unique fleshy lobes of bright yellow skin behind and below eyes, and prominent white wing patch. Sexes are similar. Juvenile lacks glossy appearance and yellow lobes are reduced in size.

Range and Habitat

Hill Myna: In North America found in urban gardens and parks around Miami, Florida, and in some large cities in southern California and Hawaii.

Breeding and Nesting

Hill Myna: Breeds in cavities with both parents collecting small twigs and leaves to make crude nest. Lays two to four blue green eggs, sometimes spotted with brown. Incubation ranges from 13 to 17 days and is carried out by both parents. Young fledge in 25 to 28 days and parents may lay several broods.

Foraging and Feeding

Hill Myna: Takes fruit, berries and seeds from many types of shrubs and trees. May also consume insects and small lizards.

Readily Eats

Suet, Commercial Mixed Bird Seed

Vocalization

Hill Myna: Extremely vocal, mimics other birds, and makes a tremendous variety of gurgles, whistles, grating or liquid notes.

Similar Species

Hill Myna: Common Myna has a yellow bill and patch of skin behind the eye. It has a dark brown body and black head and neck. Tip of tail and undertail coverts are white.