“In the field it is not that easy to differentiate the Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) from Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus).
“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
Am
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.
BESG
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).”
Am
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.
YC Wee
Thanks.