There are a few bird species found in Singapore that have predominantly black beaks. The most notable black beak birds commonly seen in Singapore are the Javan myna, Asian glossy starling, and common hill myna. These bird species are identified by their distinctive black beaks along with other unique physical features. In this article, we will explore what these black beak birds are, their identifying features, ecology, and distribution in Singapore.
Javan Myna
The Javan myna (Acridotheres javanicus) is a species of myna bird found in Southeast Asia. It is also known as the white-vented myna due to the white patches on its undertail coverts. Some key identifying features of the Javan myna include:
- Entirely black plumage except for white wing patches and white undertail coverts
- Bright yellow beak, legs and eye skin
- Distinctive black beak and head
The Javan myna reaches an average body length of 25 cm. The black beak of the Javan myna is long and stout, suited for an omnivorous diet of insects, fruits and human food scraps.
The Javan myna is an introduced and naturalized species in Singapore. It was likely brought from Java in the late 19th century as a pet bird. The Javan myna thrives in urban and suburban habitats across the island today. Its global conservation status is listed as Least Concern.
Behavior and Ecology
The Javan myna is highly social and usually seen in noisy, gregarious flocks. They forage on the ground in open grassy areas and short vegetation. Javan mynas have adapted well to urbanization and can be found in parks, gardens and streetside trees.
Javan mynas breed throughout the year in Singapore, with peak breeding seasons from March to May. They build nests in tree hollows, holes in buildings or other manmade structures. The typical clutch consists of 4-6 eggs. Both parents share breeding duties.
Common vocalizations of the Javan myna include metallic chattering mixed with croaks, squawks and whistles. This noisy behavior is one reason they are considered an invasive pest species in some areas.
Asian Glossy Starling
The Asian glossy starling (Aplonis panayensis) is a species of starling found from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia. It is also referred to as the black-collared starling due to the prominent black neck collar on adult birds. Identifying features include:
- Short black bill
- Black forehead, lores and throat
- Glossy black plumage with purple-green iridescence on body
- Distinct black neck collar on adults
The Asian glossy starling reaches about 25 cm in length. The short black bill is sharp and adapted for an omnivorous diet.
While native to the region, the Asian glossy starling has expanded its range rapidly in recent decades. It was first recorded breeding in Singapore in the 1980s and is now well-established and common across the island, found in many urban parks and gardens.
Behavior and Ecology
The Asian glossy starling is highly gregarious, forming large, noisy flocks that fly swiftly and aerobatically over open areas. Flocks may number in the thousands. It feeds predominantly on fruits and insects, sometimes joining mixed flocks with other bird species while foraging.
Breeding takes place from March to June in Singapore. The glossy starling nests in tree hollows in urban parks and gardens. The usual clutch size is 4-6 eggs. Both parents share incubation duties lasting about 14 days until hatching.
Vocalizations of the glossy starling include a range of whistles, chirps and piping calls. It is especially noisy just before dusk when flocks converge at roosting sites.
Common Hill Myna
The common hill myna (Gracula religiosa) is a myna species found widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. It is stocky black myna with distinctive bright yellow or orange wattles, throat skin and yellow-tipped black bill. Key identification features include:
- Wholly black plumage
- Bare yellow or orange yellow facial skin and wattles
- Thick yellow-tipped black bill
- Bright red or yellow eye-ring
The common hill myna reaches about 25 to 30 cm in length. The thick black bill is an adaptation for its generalist omnivorous diet of fruits, insects, small vertebrates and more.
In Singapore, the common hill myna is a locally common introduced species, originating from escaped cage birds. It can be found in parks, gardens, and wooded areas across the island. The global conservation status of this myna is Least Concern.
Behavior and Ecology
The common hill myna is arboreal and spends most of its time perched or hopping along branches and treetrunks. It occurs singly, in pairs or in small groups, less gregarious than other myna species. The flight is undulating and laborious due to the broad wings and short tail.
It is omnivorous and an opportunistic feeder on a wide variety of food items. Fruits and insects make up the bulk of the diet. It also eats small vertebrates like lizards, nestling birds and eggs. Foraging takes place mostly in trees but will descend to the ground as well.
Breeding takes place from February to June in Singapore. The hill myna nests in natural tree hollows and holes in buildings. Both sexes share incubation duties lasting about 18 days until the chicks hatch. The usual clutch size is 2 to 4 eggs.
Common vocalizations of the hill myna include loud, clear whistles, shrieks and metallic starling-like chatter. It is especially vocal at dawn and dusk.
Comparison of Black Beak Birds in Singapore
Here is a table comparing the key features of Singapore’s three most common black beak bird species:
Features | Javan Myna | Asian Glossy Starling | Common Hill Myna |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 25 cm | 25 cm | 25-30 cm |
Plumage | Black with white wing patches and undertail | Glossy black with purple-green sheen | Wholly black |
Distinguishing Markings | White undertail, bare yellow skin on face | Black neck collar in adults | Yellow/orange facial skin and wattles |
Beak | Yellow beak | Short black beak | Thick black beak with yellow tip |
Habitat | Urban parks, gardens, grassy areas | Urban parks, gardens, open areas | Parks, gardens, wooded areas |
Behavior | Gregarious, noisy, forages on ground | Highly social, swift flight, tree forager | Small groups or solitary, arboreal forager |
Conclusion
In summary, the most common and readily observed black beak birds in Singapore are:
- Javan Myna – Entirely black with yellow beak and face skin, white wing patches
- Asian Glossy Starling – Glossy black plumage with purple-green sheen, black neck collar in adults
- Common Hill Myna – Stocky black myna with yellow/orange facial skin, wattles and yellow-tipped black beak
All three species have adapted well to urbanization and can be found in many parks, gardens and natural areas across Singapore. They fill similar omnivorous niches but differ in their social behavior, vocalizations and other traits. The black beak is a key feature to look out for when identifying these birds. Being aware of their identity and ecology helps appreciate these fascinating avian residents of Singapore.