Hill mynah: the champion of vocal mimicry, but a demanding bird
The hill mynah (Gracula religiosa) has a reputation for mimicking the human voice with a realism that few parrots, including the African grey, can match. A landmark study by Brian Bertram, published in 1970 in the journal Advances in the Study of Behavior, documented the hill mynah's vocal repertoire in detail, both in the wild and in captivity, laying the groundwork for research on vocal learning in the species (study on Google Scholar). That reputation as an outstanding mimic explains its long-standing popularity in the pet bird trade, first across Asia and later in Europe.
An exceptional vocal mimic
Unlike a parrot, whose imitations can sound somewhat nasal, the hill mynah reproduces the timbre and intonation of the human voice with a disturbing fidelity, to the point of being mistaken for a real person on the phone. That skill shows up mostly in birds hand-raised from a young age and regularly exposed to human speech before six months old, a period considered critical for vocal learning in this species.
CITES status and legality in France
The hill mynah is listed on CITES Appendix II, which regulates its international trade but does not require a capacity certificate for simple possession in France, unlike some Appendix I species. Always ask the breeder or pet shop for the bird's origin and CITES paperwork before buying.
A diet that has nothing to do with a parakeet's
Unlike seed-eating psittacines, the hill mynah is frugivorous and insectivorous in the wild: its diet is based on ripe fruit, commercial insectivore/frugivore mash, and a few insects, with no seed at all. That water-rich diet produces loose, abundant droppings, worth planning for when choosing the cage floor and cleaning schedule — see our bird accessories section for suitable equipment.
Budget and equipment
Expect roughly €400 to €800 to buy one, depending on the bloodline and breeder quality, plus a cage that's taller rather than wide — the species climbs and hops more than it glides — with easy access for daily floor cleaning. Our guide on teaching a parrot to talk covers the training method, which transfers to the mynah with often faster results.
Frequently asked questions
Is the hill mynah suitable for a beginner?
No: its specific diet, its need for intense social stimulation and its purchase cost make it a species better suited to an owner already experienced with exotic birds.
Can it live with other birds?
Rarely peacefully: the hill mynah is territorial and doesn't mix well with smaller species, which it may treat as a threat or as prey.
Do you need a permit to buy one in France?
No capacity certificate is required for possession, but the bird's CITES origin must be traceable from the point of sale.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Birds universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.