Gracula

This genus is home to some of the most talented talkers in the bird world — the hill mynas. Found mostly in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia, these birds are famous not just for their beautiful black plumage and yellow wattles, but also for their uncanny ability to mimic human speech with surprising clarity. If you’ve ever heard a bird say “hello” in a shockingly human voice, chances are it was a hill myna from the Gracula genus!

The most well-known species is the common hill myna (Gracula religiosa), which has glossy black feathers with a slight purple-green shimmer, bright orange-yellow patches of bare skin around the head and neck, and strong orange beaks and legs. They have a sturdy, stocky build and a confident posture that matches their bold personality. These birds are often heard before they are seen — their natural calls are loud, whistly, and sometimes downright bizarre. But what really sets them apart is their gift for mimicry. In captivity, they can learn to copy words, phrases, and even the tones and emotions in a person’s voice, making them one of the best avian impressionists around.

In the wild, hill mynas live in forested areas, including tropical and subtropical rainforests, usually staying in the canopy. They are social birds, often found in pairs or small groups, and they feed on fruit, nectar, and insects. Their strong feet and claws help them move around tree branches with ease, and they use their loud calls to communicate with each other across the forest. Their natural vocalizations include whistles, screeches, clicks, and gurgles — a real soundscape of the jungle!