Gracula Ptilogenys | Sri Lankan Selalihiniya | Selalihiniya | Sri Lanka Hill Myna

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Genus: Gracula
Species: G. ptilogenys

Binomial name
Gracula ptilogenys

The large Selalihiniya (tern) found in Sri Lanka among other varieties of tern is now extinct, according to environmental organisations.

This variety of tern known as ‘Kashipotaya’ feed on fruits and lives in the forests. During their mating season they come into the villages in search of decayed tree trunks to lay their eggs and after their eggs have hatched, these birds return to the wild together with their young, the environmentalists point out.

These large terns, although they are bigger in size, make a very sweet sound that can be heard for long distances.

These beautifully colourful birds are sometimes reared in homes as pets and these birds are also mentioned in our ancient history books.