Bird Name:
bank maina
Latin name:
Acridotheres ginginius
status:
least concern
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Category: Avis
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sternidae
Linage: acridotheres
species: a zinginious
General Information:
The bank myna is an endemic species of South Asia, where it is known locally by a diverse collection of names including Ganga myna, Bardi myna and Darila myna. This bird is similar in color to the common myna with which it also shares its range, but is smaller. It is a sociable bird and is often seen in flocks during the breeding season.
physical description:
On an average it is 8-8.5 inches in length. It is a stocky bird of bluish-grey color with dark plumage. It has a black head with an orange bill and orange eye-patches. The sexes are similar in appearance, but the juvenile is paler and browner in colour.
Diet:
It eats fruits, grains and insects. Because it feeds on sorghum, it can be devastating to crops. Along with this, bank manna also eats insects and moths, due to which it is also beneficial for crops.
habitat:
It is often found in habitats along river banks. as well as in open country and near human habitation. Its range includes parts of Pakistan, northern India and east to Bangladesh. Individuals have also been seen as far as Afghanistan. It uses a variety of places for nesting, including riverbed tunnels, earthen wells, and the sides of disused brick kilns.
Reproduction:
The nesting season for the bird is from May to August, mainly from April to June. The female typically lays 3–5 bright yellow-blue eggs per clutch.
