Even humans cannot whistle as loud as the Tiong

Hill Myna or Tiong Mas (Malay) having a perfect view of the park and whistling ...
Location : Licuala Hill

Gracula religiosa - Hill Myna

 The Tiong came in before sunset and was calling for its mate.  The mate answered its call from the surrounding hills but did not fly over to join the company.  Unnoticed by it, I took as many pictures as I could get for stock photography.  It appears that this December the Tiongs will continue to stay at the tall 'condominium' in a special hole that faces a northerly direction.  In the meantime while waiting for its mate it produced all sorts of sounds and calls and many a time threw out a whistling sound that even a human cannot compare.  Tiongs are normally liked as pets for its ability to mimic sounds.  They do seem to be able to 'talk'.

It's time to fly away and locate my mate!

The Tiong's  favourite spot in the park.  It prefers the 'penthouse' level.

The talking birds of the park

The Tiongs (Hill Myna bird) at their 'temporary home' against the December clouds
View from Sunset Point, Zone I

Grackle or Hill Myna
Gracula religiosa

Despite the dark clouds of December, the two Tiongs were seen together at their favourite perch playing and preening.  They knew I was a cimbing up the tall Licuala Hill, where their nest - a hole in the tree was located.  I imitated their calls loudly and they reacted by flying to and fro from the nest to a nearby tree in many rounds but always ending up at their nest.  They were playful today.    Over the years many pairs of Tiongs have shared the hole and I am indeed blessed to have them as temporary residents of the park.  This bird is one of the most sought after pet bird in Sarawak because it can be 'taught' to speak, sing melodious tunes or chuckle in hard rock style, thus the English name 'Grackle'. More pictures taken today....

Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)
Location : Zone I

Birdwatch album - Tiong (Hill myna)

A Tiong country

The Kambatik nature park as a Tiong country...

 The park is a Tiong country.  Developed from a lowland tropical rainforest, the tallest trees that are scattered throughout the park are natural hideouts and perches for these medium-sized birds.  Their favourite home is a tall dead tree located at Zone I, nearby the Licuala trail.   From this tall solitary tree they scout the surrounding countryside and embark on medium-haul flights with their strong wings into the  secondary forests and fruit tree gardens.  They make numerous return trips throughout the day gathering fruits,berries and insects.  There is a hole in the tree they found comfortable enough to become their nest.  Today,  I ventured again to the hill because their calls and whistles brings out the itch and urge in me to be closer to them and to have another photoshoot session with them.  Here are some images taken this morning.

Note the white wing-patch on the primary wings..

Beak is stocky, dark orange and light yellow at its terminal end.

Feet are yellow and clawed. Whole body plumage is  black.

Tiong birds are good at mimicking sounds and so are sometimes to referred as Grackle.

The white wing-patch is clearly seen in flight...

The tree the Tiongs call home, where they found a comfortable nest in the tree-hollow...