Gracula religiosa religiosa

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Common hill myna
French : Mainate religieux

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Sturnidae
Notes : 7 other subspecies known

Identification
Plumage almost entirely glossy black with violet to blue iridescence. Large orange-yellow bill. Bright yellow wattles on face. Subspecies larger with large wattles separated below the eyes.

Range and habitat
Subspecies occurs from south Thailand and Malaysia to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. Found in forests patches and edges, disturbed and cultivated areas, to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species still has a large range but is getting rarer as it is caught in unsustainable numbers for the pet trade. Some subspecies are threatened, especially in Indonesia.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore), Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (Malaysia), TMII Bird Park (Indonesia)

 

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