Hill Myna

Common Name: HILL MYNA
Scientific Name: Gracula religiosa
Local Name: Kiyaw/Tiyaw (Tagbanua, Palawan, Batak)

Conservation Status: Trade is controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival under CITES Appendix 2. The main threat is exploitation and excessive collection of juveniles and embryos (egg stage) during February to April at the start of the kaingin season since there is a great demand for this species in the pet trade along with the BLUE-NAPED PARROT.

An uncommon species, but noisy and conspicuous in forest, forest edge, cultivation and mangrove swamps, usually in pairs or in flocks.

It is a non-endemic species distributed in small islands from India to Southern China, SE Asia, Sumatra, Java, Lesser Sundas, and Borneo. In the Philippines, the resident and local endemic race Gracula religiosa palawanensis is restricted in the Palawan Faunal Region, where it has been recorded in the islands of Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, and on the Mainland.

The species is a great mimic in the wild and in captivity that readily can learn to "talk". It feeds on fruits and insects.