Javan myna

The Javan myna (Acridotheres javanicus), also known as the white-vented myna, is a species of myna. It is a member of the starling family.

Javan myna
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Genus: Acridotheres
Species:
A. javanicus
Binomial name
Acridotheres javanicus
(Cabanis, 1850)

Taxonomy

The Javan myna is sometimes included in the great myna (Acridotheres grandis) or the jungle myna (A. fuscus). The International Ornithologists' Union recommends not using the name "white-vented myna" to avoid confusion.[2]

Description

The Javan myna is mainly black. The wings are brownish-black, and the primaries have white bases. The undertail-coverts are white. There is a short crest on the forehead. The beak legs and feet are yellow. The eyes are lemon-yellow. The immature is browner. Its length is 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in).[3] Its weight is about 100 g (3.5 oz).[4]

Distribution and habitat

The Javan myna is native to Java and Bali and has been introduced to southeastern Thailand, southern Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, the Lesser Sundas, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Japan and Nepal.[4] It is found in cities and cultivated areas.[3]

Behaviour

The Javan myna is omnivorous and eats seeds, fruit, nectar, insects and human waste. It is often found in large groups. Its voice is similar to that of the common myna. It builds its nest in holes. The eggs are bluish-glaucous. Javan mynas are bold and not very afraid of humans.[3] Javan mynas are kept in cages in Malaysia and Indonesia.[3] The birds scavenge in groups, minimum two but usually three or more, with all except one feeding and one usually at a vantage point keeping a look out. If the bird that is keeping watch sees anything that might pose a threat, it alarms the group members with a high pitch tweet and they all flee the area swiftly.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Acridotheres javanicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T103871334A104349008. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103871334A104349008.en.
  2. Tasirin, Johny S.; Fitzsimons, James A. (2014). "Javan (White-vented) Myna Acridotheres javanicus and Pale-bellied Myna A. cinereus in North Sulawesi". Kukila. 18 (1): 27–31. hdl:10536/DRO/DU:30072161.
  3. Craig, Adrian; Feare, Chris (2010). Starlings and Mynas. A&C Black. pp. 151–152. ISBN 9781408135228.
  4. "White-vented Myna (Acridotheres javanicus)". Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Retrieved 4 October 2016.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.