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Javan vs Jungle Myna

on 24th March 2018
Javan Myna (left) and Jungle Myna (right).
Javan Myna (left) and Jungle Myna (right).

“In the field it is not that easy to differentiate the Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) from Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus).

Javan Myna (left) and Jungle Myna (right).
Javan Myna (left) and Jungle Myna (right).

“The key features quoted in literature include:

1. Location – this is useful but with the spread of the Javan Myna we need to be more careful.

2. Javan plumage is more ‘slaty-grey’ compared to the ‘browner’ Jungle Myna. But lighting can easily affect an appreciation of this subtle difference.

3. Possibly the best feature is the bluish colour of the base of the Jungle Myna bills (dark looking in the field). Even this can be hard at times.

4. Two composites of different birds – Javan on the left.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
10-11th February 2018

Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Urban environment

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

4 Responses

  1. I still find it very hard to tell the difference. Right now from what I can see, I think the best way to tell is from the beak (although it’s still very difficult and I probably wouldn’t be able to tell with certainty). It would be helpful if there were more photo comparisons.

  2. Well, the post says it all… “In the field it is not that easy to differentiate the Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) from Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus).”

    1. Well, I did some research on my own on Google Images, and found the main differentiating factor to be the beak. The jungle myna’s yellow portion of the beak is much shorter than than the Javan myna’s.

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