THE MYNAHS OF THE URBAN JUNGLE - I

THE JUNGLE MYNAHS

Small yet feisty, the Jungle Mynah or Acridotheres fuscus is one species that you can commonly spot in most parts of Bangalore. They can be easily identified by the shrieking sounds that they make, usually in the mornings or just prior to the sunset when they seem to be most active. Placed in the family Sturnidae, under the Order Passeriformes, these little creatures are natives to southern Asia. They can be distinguished from their relatives, the Hill Mynah from the tuft of feathers on the top of their beaks which is in the form of spikes. Generally found in group of up to four individuals, they build their nests in tree holes in the countryside and in cracks and crevices in buildings in the cities that they inhabit. They are grey in color with distinct white markings and tail tips that are visible when they fly. The beak, legs and the iris are bright yellow. The South Indian race however has whitish blue iris. Presently classified as Least Concern in the IUCN list, they are omnivores which feed on grains, fruits and insects.

The pictures in this post were clicked on a Sunday morning in August in NGV, Kormangala.

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