Indian Pied Myna

Overview

The Indian pied myna, Gracupica contra, is a species of starling found primarily in the Indian subcontinent. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is known for forming small groups, often within human habitation.

Identification

• Striking black and white plumage, with a black upper body, throat, and breast contrasting against white cheeks, lores, wing coverts, and rump.
• Yellowish bill with a reddish base and bare reddish skin around the eye.
• Flight is slow and butterfly-like on round wings.
• Vocalisations include a wide repertoire of liquid notes, whistles, trills, buzzes, clicks, and warbling calls.

Habitat

Found mainly in lowland open areas with scattered trees near water, extending up to about 700m above sea level in foothills. The species favours plains, particularly the Gangetic plains, and is frequently seen near human settlements, sewage farms, and refuse tips. Its range includes parts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and China, with recent expansions into the United Arab Emirates.

Diet

Forages mainly on the ground in fields, lawns, and grazing land, often accompanying cattle. Diet consists of grains, fruit, insects, earthworms, and molluscs, frequently extracted by prying or gaping into the soil to dislodge hidden food.

Did you know?

The Sema Naga people of India do not eat this bird because they believe it is the reincarnation of a human. Young birds kept in captivity have been trained to imitate tunes sung by other birds.