Indonesia, with its rich natural biodiversity, is home to a diverse array of stunning bird species, including the myna or "jalak." Mynas are highly valued for their melodious chirps, striking appearance, and remarkable ability to mimic sounds. It is no wonder that many bird enthusiasts in the country collect and breed various types of mynas.
Here are some of the most popular myna species commonly found and favored in Indonesia:
1. Pied Myna / Javan Pied Starling (Jalak Suren - Gracupica contra)
The Pied Myna, or Jalak Suren, is one of the most popular myna types in Indonesia. Its distinct feature is the contrasting black-and-white plumage, coupled with a reddish bill that has a touch of orange at the base. It also has a bare, red patch of skin around the eyes. Its voice is varied, chatty, and it is often used as a "master" bird to train other songbirds. This species has a natural distribution across Southeast Asia.
2. Javan Myna (Jalak Kebo - Acridotheres javanicus)
The Javan Myna, also known as the Black Myna, is easily encountered in rice fields or near livestock like water buffalo (kebo). Its entire body is dominated by glossy black feathers, with a yellow bill and yellow legs. Its call is varied and tends to be rough, but some individuals have an excellent capacity for sound mimicry.
3. Bali Myna (Jalak Bali - Leucopsar rothschildi)
The Bali Myna is a stunning, endemic gem of Indonesia, though sadly critically endangered. Its characteristic features include pure white plumage across its body, except for the black tips of its wings. The area around the eyes is bare and bright blue, while its bill is yellowish-blue. The Bali Myna possesses a melodic and distinctive voice. Due to its protected status, ownership of the Bali Myna requires strict legal procedures.
4. Common Myna / Nias Myna (Jalak Nias - Acridotheres tristis)
The Common Myna shares similarities with the Javan Myna but has a few key differences. Its body feathers are also predominantly black, but it features a bright, bare yellow patch of skin behind the eyes, resembling a yellow "mask." Its bill and legs are yellow. This bird is known for its intelligence and skill in mimicking sounds, and some individuals can even imitate human speech.
5. Golden Myna (Jalak Emas - Mino coronatus)
The Golden Myna is a type of myna with a highly attractive appearance. Its plumage is predominantly glossy iridescent blue-black, with bright yellow patches on the cheeks, behind the eyes, and sometimes on the belly or rump. Its bill and legs are also yellow. Its varied and appealing vocalizations make it a favorite choice for many bird collectors.
Each myna species possesses its own unique charm, whether in terms of feather color, voice, or behavior. It is important to remember that some myna species, such as the Bali Myna, are protected and require serious conservation efforts. If you are interested in keeping a myna, ensure you acquire it from a legal and responsible breeding facility.
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