Long-tailed Myna

The Long-tailed Myna, Mino kreffti, stands as one of the most sizable members of the starling family, Sturnidae. With a length spanning 29–32 cm (11–13 in), it boasts a predominantly purple-glossed black plumage. A distinctive feature is the bright orange-yellow skin around each eye, complemented by a yellow lower belly. In flight, one can observe the striking white wing patches, while the rump and undertail also present a white hue. The species' robust bill is a vivid yellow, adding to its striking appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Long-tailed Myna, look for its large size relative to other starlings, with a wing chord of 15.4 to 16.8 cm (6.1 to 6.6 in), a tail measuring 11.2 to 12.1 cm (4.4 to 4.8 in), a culmen of 2.9 to 3.3 cm (1.1 to 1.3 in), and a tarsus of 3.8 to 4.3 cm (1.5 to 1.7 in). The bird's plumage is predominantly black with a purple gloss, and the white wing patches are particularly noticeable when the bird is in flight.

Habitat

This arboreal species is commonly found in open lowland forests and plantations, where it can be seen alone or in pairs.

Behaviour

The Long-tailed Myna is known for nesting in tree holes, often selecting palms for this purpose. It is a conspicuous bird, both visually and audibly, with a repertoire of whistles and squawks that can be heard across its habitat.

Song & Calls

The vocal range of the Long-tailed Myna includes a variety of whistles and squawks, making it a notably vocal member of the forest community.

Breeding

In terms of breeding, the Long-tailed Myna lays pale blue eggs adorned with delicate reddish or grey markings, within the shelter of tree holes.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Long-tailed Myna is primarily composed of fruits and berries, which it forages for in its arboreal habitat.

Conservation status

The Long-tailed Myna is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.