Yellow-faced Myna

Overview

The yellow-faced myna (Mino dumontii) is a species of starling found in New Guinea and nearby islands. It is one of the largest starling species and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• 23 to 26 cm in length, one of the largest starlings, weighing around 217 g.
• Dark plumage with metallic lustre; the head features bare yellowish-orange skin forming a patch around the eyes and throat.
• Yellow bill and legs, with a wide, bright orange facial marking.
• Noisy bird emitting nasal, growling, and croaking calls with a human-like conversational quality.

Habitat

Endemic to New Guinea and smaller offshore islands, primarily found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It inhabits rainforests, forest fringes, partially cut areas, secondary growth, and gallery forests, sometimes extending into savannah areas up to 800 metres altitude.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruit and insects. It forages high in the canopy and has been observed catching insects in flight.

Did you know?

Communal roosts have been described containing over two hundred birds, and up to three individuals have been observed carrying nesting material into a single hole, suggesting cooperation from the extended family.