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Hello Mark and Bruce.
I've probably been overtaken by more taxonomic
changes, but I was under the impression that White-vented Myna is A.
grandis (also called Great Myna in older references).
As far as I can tell, Jungle and Javan Myna (A.
javanicus) are closely related and can be difficult to distinguish in the
field. White-vented Myna is, however, more readily discernible because of its
larger, shaggier crest and brownish (rather than yelow) eyes.
The SE Asian bird reference that I have is Robson
(2005) and it certainly shows the above nomenclature and physical differences.
As well, the topic was recently discussed on a
Malaysian bird group forum that I subscribe to and the same points, together
with photographs, were also made. White-vented Myna is, according to that
discussion, fairly well confined to KL and the Klang Valley and is not overly
numerous there whereas Javan Myna is the species that seems to be fairly rapidly
colonising the Peninsular northwards.
For the benefit of chat line members who might be
intersted in what these birds look like, I have attached photos of White-vented
and Javan Mynas for information.
Regards,
Bruce
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