# Nias hill myna > The Nias hill myna (Gracula robusta), or beo nias, is the largest hill myna, endemic to Nias, North Sumatra's identity animal, and Critically Endangered. Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nias-hill-myna/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/beo-nias/ _This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._ **Review status:** Compiled and checked against the listed sources; not yet reviewed by a specialist. ## Quick answer The Nias hill myna (*Gracula robusta*) is a bird in the family Sturnidae. Range in Indonesia: Nias and nearby small islands, including the Banyak Islands (North Sumatra and Aceh). It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Nias and nearby small islands off western Sumatra. Diet: fruit (mainly figs), nectar and insects, like other hill mynas. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018). | Fact | Value | |---|---| | Scientific name | *Gracula robusta* | | Indonesian name | Beo nias | | Group | Birds | | Family | Sturnidae | | Range in Indonesia | Nias and nearby small islands, including the Banyak Islands (North Sumatra and Aceh) | | Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) | | Diet | Fruit (mainly figs), nectar and insects, like other hill mynas | | Range in Indonesia | Endemic to Nias and nearby small islands | | Key feature | Largest hill myna, broad white wing patch, very loud voice | | Provincial identity animal | North Sumatra province | | Other names | Beo nias, tiong nias; Gracula religiosa robusta | | IUCN status | Critically Endangered · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/6092101) · checked 1 October 2026 | | Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 663 | | Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) | | Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/nias.hill.myna.html) | | Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Nias and nearby small islands off western Sumatra · [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/nias-hill-myna-gracula-robusta) | ## What is the Nias hill myna? The Nias hill myna (Gracula robusta), known in Indonesia as beo nias or tiong nias, is endemic to Nias and nearby small islands. According to BirdLife International, it is the largest hill myna, bulkier and much heavier than other forms, with a larger white wing patch. The forestry ministry's conservation directorate (KSDAE) records that North Sumatra's governor made it the province's identity animal. Its taxonomy is debated. This guide follows BirdLife International, which treats it as a full species, separate from the common hill myna (G. religiosa). Indonesia's regulation P.106/2018 also lists Gracula robusta (tiong nias) separately. The eBird/Clements checklist, however, still treats it as a subspecies, Gracula religiosa robusta. Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Nias Hill Myna Gracula robusta species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/nias-hill-myna-gracula-robusta) · [Ditjen KSDAE, Kementerian Kehutanan (2022) — Maskot Provinsi Sumut Dititip ke PPS Sibolangit](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/berita/maskot-provinsi-sumut-dititip-ke-pps-sibolangit-eNKSnU7M/) · [eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) — Common Hill Myna (Nias), Gracula religiosa robusta](https://ebird.org/species/niamyn1) ## Where does the Nias hill myna live? The Nias hill myna lives only on islands off the west coast of Sumatra: Nias and the small islands around it in North Sumatra province. BirdLife International describes its habitat as moist evergreen forest, which once covered the islands it lives on. According to Kompas, the bird was still common in the Nias Islands in the 1990s. A nest survey for a Gadjah Mada University thesis (2005) still found it in Lahusa and Gomo districts on Nias, among forest trees such as matoa (Pometia pinnata), Dipterocarpus and Koompassia. Today, BirdLife says, its wild population is tiny and survives on only two islands. Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Nias Hill Myna Gracula robusta species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/nias-hill-myna-gracula-robusta) · [Kompas.id — Terancam Punah, Beo Nias Butuh Penangkaran (2018)](https://www.kompas.id/artikel/terancam-punah-beo-nias-butuh-penangkaran) · [Universitas Gadjah Mada (Telaumbanua, 2005) — Studi Populasi dan Distribusi Spesies Burung Beo (Gracula religiosa robusta) di Kecamatan Lahusa dan Kecamatan Gomo (Nias)](https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/209716) ## What does the Nias hill myna eat? The Nias hill myna probably eats fruit, especially figs, along with nectar and insects, like hill mynas in general. The sources we found contain no diet study of the Nias population itself, so this picture comes from its close relative. According to Animal Diversity Web, the hill myna (Gracula religiosa) is a tree-dwelling fruit eater. Figs are eaten most often, followed by berries and seeds from many trees and shrubs. It also eats nectar, insects and lizards. Most insects are picked from trees, but hill mynas have been seen catching flying termites in the air. By eating fruit, hill mynas help spread the seeds of forest trees. Evidence: [Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) — Gracula religiosa, hill myna](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gracula_religiosa/) ## How does the Nias hill myna nest and breed? The Nias hill myna nests in tree holes, and researchers use these nests to count the population. A 2005 Gadjah Mada University survey counted active nests, both natural and artificial, and found 12 birds in Lahusa district and 10 in Gomo district. In hill mynas generally, Animal Diversity Web says a monogamous pair lines a tree hole with twigs, leaves and feathers, and the female lays about two blue eggs with brown spots. Both parents care for the young. A study in Lahusa, recorded by the Forestry Ministry library, found that hunters shot parent birds and took far too many chicks from nests. Evidence: [Universitas Gadjah Mada (Telaumbanua, 2005) — Studi Populasi dan Distribusi Spesies Burung Beo (Gracula religiosa robusta) di Kecamatan Lahusa dan Kecamatan Gomo (Nias)](https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/209716) · [Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) — Gracula religiosa, hill myna](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gracula_religiosa/) · [Perpustakaan Kementerian Kehutanan — Kajian Konservasi Beo Nias (Gracula religiosa robusta) di Pulau Nias, Sumatera Utara (Konifera)](https://muspera.kehutanan.go.id/perpusadikusumo/index.php?p=show_detail&id=2258&keywords=) ## Why is the Nias hill myna close to extinction? The Nias hill myna is close to extinction mainly because it is caught for the pet bird trade. BirdLife International assesses it as Critically Endangered and says it is even more sought after than other hill mynas because of its size and loud voice. Around 2010, it reportedly vanished from one island soon after hundreds of trappers arrived. A study in Lahusa estimated, from the nests found, that only 10–20 birds remained at Teluk Dalam in 1996. It recorded chicks selling for Rp1–2 million and adult birds that could talk for Rp4–5 million. BirdLife also warns that deliberate crossing with common hill mynas could genetically swamp the last wild birds. Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Nias Hill Myna Gracula robusta species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/nias-hill-myna-gracula-robusta) · [Perpustakaan Kementerian Kehutanan — Kajian Konservasi Beo Nias (Gracula religiosa robusta) di Pulau Nias, Sumatera Utara (Konifera)](https://muspera.kehutanan.go.id/perpusadikusumo/index.php?p=show_detail&id=2258&keywords=) ## How can the Nias hill myna be protected? The most important step is never to catch, buy or keep a Nias hill myna. Gracula robusta is listed as a protected species in the annex to regulation P.106/2018 (entry 663, tiong nias). In 2022, Medan police handed one to the North Sumatra conservation agency (BBKSDA) for rehabilitation at the Sibolangit rescue centre before release. If you see one for sale, report it to BBKSDA North Sumatra or the police. Kompas reported that there was still no official breeding programme in 2018. BirdLife recommends ending all trade in Gracula robusta, checking captive birds genetically, and making sure Nias communities benefit from protecting the bird as a source of regional pride. Evidence: [Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (lampiran)](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · [Ditjen KSDAE, Kementerian Kehutanan (2022) — Maskot Provinsi Sumut Dititip ke PPS Sibolangit](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/berita/maskot-provinsi-sumut-dititip-ke-pps-sibolangit-eNKSnU7M/) · [Kompas.id — Terancam Punah, Beo Nias Butuh Penangkaran (2018)](https://www.kompas.id/artikel/terancam-punah-beo-nias-butuh-penangkaran) ## Scientific classification of the Nias hill myna | Rank | Name | |---|---| | Kingdom | Animalia | | Phylum | Chordata | | Class | Aves | | Order | Passeriformes | | Family | Sturnidae | | Genus | *Gracula* | | Species | *Gracula robusta* | Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c) ## Common questions about the Nias hill myna ### What is the scientific name of the Nias hill myna? The scientific name of the Nias hill myna is *Gracula robusta*, in the family Sturnidae. In Indonesian it is called Beo nias. ### What kind of animal is the Nias hill myna? The Nias hill myna is a bird in the family Sturnidae. It is also endemic to Indonesia. ### Where does the Nias hill myna live in Indonesia? In Indonesia, this guide records the Nias hill myna in: Nias and nearby small islands, including the Banyak Islands (North Sumatra and Aceh). The Nias hill myna is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Nias and nearby small islands off western Sumatra. Source: [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/nias-hill-myna-gracula-robusta). Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/). ### What does the Nias hill myna eat? Diet of the Nias hill myna: fruit (mainly figs), nectar and insects, like other hill mynas. ### How does the Nias hill myna reproduce? The Nias hill myna reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352). ### Is the Nias hill myna nocturnal? No. The Nias hill myna is diurnal (active by day). Source: [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/nias.hill.myna.html). See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/). ### What are the main features of the Nias hill myna? Key features of the Nias hill myna, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: largest hill myna, broad white wing patch, very loud voice. ### What is the scientific classification of the Nias hill myna? Scientific classification of the Nias hill myna: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Sturnidae, genus *Gracula*, species *Gracula robusta*. Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology. ### Is the Nias hill myna endangered? Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Nias hill myna is listed as Critically Endangered: it is considered to face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/6092101), checked 1 October 2026. This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Nias hill myna protected in Indonesia?](#protected) ### Is the Nias hill myna protected in Indonesia? Yes. The Nias hill myna (*Gracula robusta*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 663). Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests. If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/). ### Can the Nias hill myna be kept as a pet? No. Because the Nias hill myna is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited. If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/). ## Sources & references 1. [BirdLife DataZone — Nias Hill Myna Gracula robusta species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/nias-hill-myna-gracula-robusta) 2. [Ditjen KSDAE, Kementerian Kehutanan (2022) — Maskot Provinsi Sumut Dititip ke PPS Sibolangit](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/berita/maskot-provinsi-sumut-dititip-ke-pps-sibolangit-eNKSnU7M/) 3. [Kompas.id — Terancam Punah, Beo Nias Butuh Penangkaran (2018)](https://www.kompas.id/artikel/terancam-punah-beo-nias-butuh-penangkaran) 4. [Universitas Gadjah Mada (Telaumbanua, 2005) — Studi Populasi dan Distribusi Spesies Burung Beo (Gracula religiosa robusta) di Kecamatan Lahusa dan Kecamatan Gomo (Nias)](https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/209716) 5. [Perpustakaan Kementerian Kehutanan — Kajian Konservasi Beo Nias (Gracula religiosa robusta) di Pulau Nias, Sumatera Utara (Konifera)](https://muspera.kehutanan.go.id/perpusadikusumo/index.php?p=show_detail&id=2258&keywords=) 6. [Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) — Gracula religiosa, hill myna](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gracula_religiosa/) 7. [eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) — Common Hill Myna (Nias), Gracula religiosa robusta](https://ebird.org/species/niamyn1) 8. [Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (lampiran)](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) 9. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) 10. [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/nias.hill.myna.html) 11. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c) ## Keep exploring - [Common hill myna](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/common-hill-myna/) - [Black-capped lory](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/black-capped-lory/) - [Blue-crowned hanging parrot](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) - [Crested serpent eagle](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/crested-serpent-eagle/) - [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) --- Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Nias hill myna. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nias-hill-myna/