Apo myna

The Apo myna (Basilornis mirandus) is a species of starling in the starling family Sturnidae. The species is also known as the Mount Apo starling or the Mount Apo king starling. The specific name is Latin for wonderful or strange.[2]

Apo myna

Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Genus: Basilornis
Species:
B. mirandus
Binomial name
Basilornis mirandus
(Hartert, 1903)
Synonyms

Goodfellowia miranda

Distribution and habitat

It is endemic to Mindanao in the south Philippines. Its natural habitat tropical moist montane forests above 1,250 m (4,100 ft). It is assumed that the species is non-migratory.[3]

Description

The Apo myna is a long-tailed starling, 30 cm (12 in) long and weighing around 110 g (3.9 oz). The plumage is mostly glossy black, except for the lower back which is white. The feathers on the head are degenerate and form a floppy crest. There is a large patch of bare yellow skin around the eye and on the cheek creating a distinctive mask. The bill and legs are yellowish. Both the sexes are alike. Juvenile birds resemble adults but have less glossy plumage and have a buff edge to the feathers.[3]

Behaviour

Little is known about the behaviour of this species. It eats berries and insects, and forages singly, as pairs or in small groups. Two nests have been found for this species, both in the holes excavated by woodpeckers into trees. One of these nests was 15 m (49 ft) off the ground and made of twigs and leaves.[3]

Status and conservation

The Apo myna is becoming rare due to habitat loss. It is common in some protected areas, but it has a small and fragmented range, and is becoming rare across some of its range. It is safe for the moment, as its habitat is remote and rugged, but that situation could change.[3] Because of this it is listed as near threatened by the IUCN.

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References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Basilornis mirandus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T22710968A38243834. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22710968A38243834.en.
  2. Jobling, J. A. (2017). Key to Scientific Names in Ornithology. In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.) (2017). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from www.hbw.com).
  3. Craig, A. & Feare, C. (2017). Apo Myna (Basilornis mirandus). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from http://www.hbw.com/node/60815 on 19 March 2017).
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