Definition

Noun: * A glossy black Asiatic starling (Gracula religiosa) often taught to mimic human speech. It is a bird known for its intelligence and remarkable ability to imitate sounds and words.

Usage

The term "hill myna" is used to specifically identify this species of bird, often in contexts related to ornithology, aviculture (bird-keeping), and its notable talent for mimicry. * It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a hill myna, three hill mynas).

Examples

• The hill myna in the zoo can perfectly imitate the keeper's whistle.
• She is an expert in training hill mynas to speak.
• The hill myna's natural habitat is being threatened by deforestation.

Advanced Usage

• The species is sometimes referred to more formally as the common hill myna or Indian hill myna to distinguish it from related species.
• In aviculture, a well-trained hill myna is often simply called a "talking myna."

Variants and Related Words

• Myna (also mynah): The general term for various species in the starling family (Sturnidae), many of which are known for vocal abilities. The hill myna is one specific type.
• Gracula religiosa: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Talking myna
• Common hill myna
• Indian hill myna

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To talk like a myna bird: To chatter or mimic speech incessantly. (This idiom uses the general term "myna bird," which is strongly associated with the hill myna's abilities).
  • After listening to the podcast, the child was talking like a myna bird, repeating all the new phrases.

Noun

1. glossy black Asiatic starling often taught to mimic speech