Common Myna

Overview

The common myna, or Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis), is an omnivorous bird native to Asia that belongs to the starling family. With a strong territorial instinct, it has adapted exceptionally well to urban environments and is considered one of the world's most invasive species.

Identification

• Brown body with a black hooded head and a bare yellow patch behind the eye
• Bright yellow bill and legs
• Rounded wings and a square-tipped tail
• White patch on the outer primaries and white tail tip

Habitat

Native to Asia, its range spans from southern Kazakhstan and Iran to China, Indochina, and southern India. The bird typically inhabits open woodland, cultivation areas, and habitats around human habitation, thriving particularly well in urban and suburban environments.

Diet

An omnivore, it feeds on a wide range of items including insects, grubs, earthworms, seeds, grain, fruits, and discarded human waste. It primarily forages on the ground among grass for insects such as grasshoppers, often picking them up as they are disturbed by grazing cattle or fired grass fields.

Did you know?

The common myna is named Acridotheres, which derives from Ancient Greek meaning 'grasshopper hunter', reflecting its primary foraging behaviour. It is also known in Australia as 'the cane toad of the sky' due to its invasive status and scavenging habits.