Myna Birds
The Myna (also spelled Mynah) is a common urban bird in Southeast Asia. They are medium sized birds, mostly brown or grey plumaged with sharp yellow-orange bill. One of the most distinctive anatomical features is their relatively long legs which enable them to walk on the ground, unlike many passerines that find their way on the ground by hopping.
Common Myna |
The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), also called Indian Mynah in other parts of the world is one of the most widespread species. It is omnivorous, taking not only insects on the ground, but also soft fruits like papaya. Another common species which is expanding its population throughout the region is the Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus). Plainer in appearance, it has a short crest at the base of the upper mandible and white patches under the wing.
Javan Myna |
Myna can become a nuisance for people to the extent they are regarded as pest. In Singapore and Australia for example, large number of roosting myna are extremely noisy and their excrement create an unpleasant sight beside potentially cause diseases. Myna may also compete with resident hole nesters such as the Magpie Robin for nesting site resulting in the demise of the latter species.