THE MALAYAN GEACKLE 
Gracula javana jai^ana (Osbeck) 
Malay name : — Tiong. 
Description: — The grackle, the shape of which can be 
seen by reference to our plate i& entirely glossy bluish -black in 
plumage except for a small while patch on the wing quills. 
Touches of colour are provided by the soft parts in that 
the bill is orange with a yellow tip, and the feet are bright 
yellow as are also the fleshy lappets that adorn the nape. The 
iris is brown. 
Length about 12 inches, wing between 6J to 7 inches. 
The metallic reflections of the plumage are only seen when 
the bird is closely examined. Even in the hand the plumage 
appears entirely black when held at arms len^h. 
In the plate the reflections are rather too pronounced. 
Distribution : — The tiong is found in the Malay Peninsula, 
Borneo » Sumatra and Java. The birds found in India, China, 
the Philippines and even as far east as the islands of Flores and 
Sumbawa are very closely allied and probably no more than 
?ocaI races of the one species. 
St&tus in Sin gap 07 e : — A common bird but not a frequenter 
of the town. In the country districts and even in the Botanic 
Gardens it may be seen. 
Fifld Motes : — The ttong is perhaps best known as he sits 
high up. on a tall tree, more often than not on the topmost 
branch and sends forth, especially in the early morning, the 
far reaching "ti-ong'* in the form of dear notes* In the 
evening small flocks may be noticed as the birds fly to roost and 
at a distance the compact httle bands may be mistaken for 
green pigeon. In flight the birds appear quite black except 
for a conspicuous white patch in each wing. 
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