Birds

When I started to compile this article about our Greater Indian Hill Mynas I found a huge amount of confusing and conflicting information about the species and subspecies of Hill Mynas ( Graculas). They are all a member of the starling family: Sturnidae. (Source: Wikipedia) but their classification has changed over time. This is the latest (2021) information I have found. According to Wikipedia up until recently, only two species were recognised, Gracula religiosa and Gracula ptilogenys. Previously, all Graculas were considered to belong to a very variable species commonly called the Hill Myna.  The Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa), sometimes spelt “mynah”, is the myna bird …

If your bird is now chatting and responding to you during the daily routine (start here if you’re new to teaching your bird to talk) then you can move on to new words and phrases. Start with the simple words and then build up to the phrases. By adding a word one at a time you can teach a myna bird an extensive vocabulary. They prefer a good rhythm to the phrase of about 5-6 syllables. Always say it in a bright and light voice and in the same way to be consistent. Try recording your training word on your …

Many birds can be trained to speak, and some will even begin doing so on their own as they hear their owners speak. Think of training a bird to speak as a fun, bonding adventure with your pet. Stay positive, and do not stress out the animal.  Also, keep in mind that certain birds may be easier to train than others, like mynah birds, of which the Greater Indian Hill Myna is the best ( gracula religiosa intermedia). Myna Birds have the clearest diction of any breed and the ability to have an incredibly large vocabulary.  With a little patience and …

Mynah birds are omnivorous. They would naturally eat a huge variety of fruits, insects, larva, amphibians, lizards, small snakes, eggs, baby birds, baby rodents and scavenge for garbage occasionally. They are not seedeaters. A large variety of diced fruits and some vegetables can be offered to your myna bird. Their diet should contain 60% pellets, 30% fruits with about 10% of the diet being vegetables. Mynah birds do not have a crop to store food. In fact they have a very short digestive tract, which makes for a very quick transit time. This means your mynah bird will eat constantly …