Sri Lanka myna

Description

The minar of Sri Lanka ( Gracula ptilogenys ) is a passerine bird of the Sturnidae family.It is endemic to Sri Lanka. This bird is normally found in forests and crops.The minar of Sri Lanka builds its nests in a hole and the normal laying is two eggs. The average length is 25cm and the plumage is black with a greenish glow,dyed purple on the head and neck.It has white spots on the wings,which are evident during the flight.The legs,strong,are yellow.On the nape,also yellow,sports two caruncles.The different shape and arrangement of caruncles,as well as the strongly red-orange beak distinguishes this species from Gracula indica,also called Gracula religiosa indica.There is no marked difference between the sexes,although the juveniles have a dull peak. Like many other members of the Sturnidae family,Sri Lankan mines are fundamentally omnivorous,since their diet is based on fruit,nectar and insects.