Javan Myna

Overview

The Javan myna (Acridotheres javanicus), also known as the white-vented myna, is a species of myna within the starling family. Native to Bali and Java, it has been introduced to various regions across Asia and the Americas, though it is considered vulnerable due to excessive cage trapping in its native range.

Identification

• Mainly black plumage with brownish-black wings that display a striking white wing bar and white tail bar in flight.
• White undertail-coverts, a short crest on the forehead, and lemon-yellow eyes.
• Yellow bill, legs, and feet.
• Length of 21–23 cm and a weight of approximately 100 g.

Habitat

Native to Bali and Java, the Javan myna has been introduced to locations including southeastern Thailand, southern Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, the Lesser Sundas, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Japan, and Nepal. It is commonly found in cities and cultivated areas.

Diet

This omnivorous bird feeds on seeds, fruit, nectar, insects, and human waste. It forages in groups of two to four or more, with typically one bird keeping watch from a vantage point while the others feed, alerting the group to threats with a high-pitched tweet.

Did you know?

The species is highly adaptive and has been observed learning to fly up to an automatic door's motion sensor to trigger it open, allowing itself and its mate to enter.