ExploreBirds

Common Myna

acridotheres tristis

The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a highly intelligent, boldly charismatic, and remarkably adaptable passerine bird belonging to the starling family. Originally native to the open woodlands and agricultural areas of Asia, spanning from Iran to Southeast Asia, this resourceful species has aggressively expanded its footprint globally. Often seen fearlessly navigating busy city streets or vocally defending its territory, the Common Myna has thrived alongside human civilization. While their lively antics and impressive vocal repertoire make them fascinating subjects for observation, their overwhelming success comes at a steep ecological cost. Due to their aggressive territorial nature and prolific breeding, they routinely outcompete native species for food resources and crucial nesting hollows. Consequently, they are widely regarded as one of the world's most formidable invasive species in regions like Australia, South Africa, and various island ecosystems.

Habitat: Found in open woodlands and agricultural fields, often foraging on the ground near human settlements.

Appearance

The Common Myna is a medium-sized, stocky bird easily identified by its rich, chocolate-brown body plumage that contrasts sharply with a glossy black hood covering its head, neck, and upper breast. One of its most distinctive features is a bright, bare patch of yellow skin located immediately behind each eye, which perfectly matches its stout yellow bill and sturdy yellow legs. In flight, they are unmistakable, flashing large, prominent white circular patches on their primary wing feathers, accompanied by bright white tips on the edges of their tail feathers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilySturnidaeGenusAcridotheres
Common Myna
Common Myna

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 ยท Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Common Mynas often mate for life, and established pairs can frequently be seen mutually preening each other to reinforce their lifelong bond.

The IUCN declared the Common Myna as one of only three bird species to be included in the top 100 of the world's worst invasive alien species.

They are highly social and often gather in massive, incredibly noisy communal roosts at night, which can contain thousands of individuals.

Unlike many perching birds that navigate the ground by hopping, the Common Myna walks with a confident, distinctive strutting gait.

Special abilities

Ability

Vocal Mimicry

They possess an exceptionally versatile syrinx, allowing them to accurately mimic human speech, other bird calls, and environmental noises.

Ability

Aggressive Nest Usurpation

Mynas frequently and aggressively evict other native birds and small mammals from crucial tree hollows to claim them as their own nesting sites.

Ability

Opportunistic Scavenging

Their highly adaptable digestive system and bold behavioral nature allow them to exploit a vast array of urban food sources, including human refuse.

Measurements & details

Length
23-26 cm
Wingspan
35-42 cm
Weight
0.1-0.143 kg
Lifespan
4-12 years
Clutch Size
4-6
Incubation
13-18 days

Diet & Feeding

The Common Myna is a true generalist, opportunistic omnivore that will eat almost anything it can find, from live prey to human food scraps.

Age differences: Chicks are fed a diet predominantly consisting of protein-rich insects and invertebrates to support rapid growth.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Spiders
  • Fruits
  • Seeds
  • Human food scraps

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

competitor

Eastern Rosella

Platycercus eximius

Competes for critical tree-hollow nesting sites, often violently evicting native parrots.

eaten by

House Crow

Corvus splendens

A common urban predator that frequently raids Common Myna nests for eggs and vulnerable chicks.

mutualism

Banyan Tree

Ficus benghalensis

Feeds heavily on the figs of this tree in its native range, acting as an effective seed disperser.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 ยท Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Common Myna?

The easiest way to identify Common Myna is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Common Myna?

23-26 cm

What is Common Myna's wingspan?

35-42 cm

How much does Common Myna weigh?

0.1-0.143 kg

How long does Common Myna live?

4-12 years

What does Common Myna eat?

The Common Myna is a true generalist, opportunistic omnivore that will eat almost anything it can find, from live prey to human food scraps.

Where is Common Myna usually found?

Found in open woodlands and agricultural fields, often foraging on the ground near human settlements.

How does Common Myna hunt?

Foraging

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