Myna Bird Facts

Myna is a bird of the Sturnidae family and is native to South-East Asia. The word myna is derived from the Sanskrit word madana which means joyful or delightful. Mynas, also spelled mynahs, are indeed a group of cheerful, fun-loving passerine birds renowned for their ability to mimic the human voice. The geographic location of mynahs depends on the species in question. The common myna's indigenous range is within the tropics and subtopics, extending up to 30 degrees north of the equator. The range of this species sometimes extends over 40 degrees south even up to Tasmania.

Common myna and common hill myna are two main varieties of this bird species. The melodious hill mynas are reared as pets by many bird-lovers.

Mynah birds were introduced to different countries like South Africa, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii deliberately to control insect pests of farming. But the rapid spread of this species since the 18th and 19th centuries has threatened the survival of the native bird species in these countries.

Read the article to know more interesting facts about the myna bird. You might also find our articles on  kea parrot and blue-and-yellow macaw exciting to read.

What type of animal is a myna bird?

Mynas are medium-sized, stocky, robust birds observed in both northern and southern hemispheres. They have a strong beak, feet and a short tail.

What class of animal does a myna bird belong to?

Mynahs belong to the class Aves, like other birds. Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a species in the family of starlings (Sturnidae).

How many myna birds are there in the world?

There is no information available on the total number of mynahs present on our planet. They are found in abundance in the Indian subcontinent, China, Indochina, South-East Asian countries of the Asia continent. There has been a spurt in their numbers in Australia since their introduction in the 1860s for controlling caterpillars and other insects in the market gardens. However, the number of critically endangered Bali mynah species is gradually declining. Only 50-100 adult individuals exist in the wild and about 1000 of them has survived in captivity.

Where does a myna bird live?

Mynah birds live both in the wild, for example, in the foothills of mountains in the case of the hill mynah and also in urban environments like the common mynah. Flood plains, grasslands, cultivated areas, plantations, and urban areas are inhabited by them, especially areas with access to water.

What is a myna bird's habitat?

The evolution of common myna took place in the open woodland habitats in India. But at present, there exists a close association of this species with human-modified habitats. Their populations reach their maximum near human establishments such as cities, towns, villages, agricultural land, parks, and roadsides. The mynah bird can adapt to a wide range of climates but prefer warmer climates. Dense vegetation is generally avoided. Dry woodlands and partly open forests are often inhabited by them. Mynah birds in Hawaii are observed from sea level up to 9,842 ft (3,000 m) altitude. On the other hand, hill mynahs are seen in both evergreen and wet deciduous forests in lowlands, hills, and mountains, especially in areas with high humidity and rainfall.

Who do myna birds live with?

Hill mynahs are monogamous and are often found in pairs and within small groups. Common mynas also practise monogamy and mate for life. However, a bird whose mate has died quickly forms a new couple. Common myna roosts in large groups of tens to thousands outside the breeding season.

How long does a myna bird live?

In captivity, i.e. as pets, the mynah bird can live for 12-25 years. It can only live for about four years in the wild, but may occasionally survive to live till 12.

How do they reproduce?

The male common myna pairs with a female common myna during the breeding season from October to March. Head bowing and bobbing with fluffed plumage and loud calls is the courtship behavior of the males. This bird species attains sexual maturity around one year of age. Two to five eggs are laid by the females in a clutch and the incubation period lasts for 13-18 days. Male and female mynas both incubate the eggs in the nest. After their birth, the nestlings develop wings at around twenty days or longer. They still need a week or more to learn flying. The nest is defended by both male and female mynah. Common mynas start nesting in March and the breeding period ends in late September.

What is their conservation status?

Indian common myna (Acridotheres tristis) is categorized as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List and their numbers are steadily rising. The white-vented mynah of the Javan myna bird native to Java is listed as Vulnerable. The Bali myna bird qualifies as Critically Endangered due to its small range and illegal poaching for the trade of cage birds.

What do myna birds look like?

The common mynah native to India is easily distinguishable by its brown body, black hooded head, and the bare yellow patch behind the eye. These mynas have yellow legs and their bills are also yellow. A white patch is visible on the outer primaries and these birds have white wing lining on the underside. Common hill mynas have a glossy black body with bright yellow head wattles, candlewax-orange bill, yellow feet, and white wing patches. The tail of the hill mynah bird has a polished turquoise color.

How cute are they?

Common myna birds may seem cute to bird lovers. However, these birds can be a bit noisy.

How do they communicate?

Myna birds usually have a flock leader. Members of the flock communicate with one another through myna bird call and their movements are synchronised. Croaks, squawks, chirps, clicks, whistles and growls are the most common myna bird sound.

How big is a myna bird?

The length of a myna bird is approximately 9-19.5 in (23-49.5 cm) and these birds have heights of about 12 in (30 cm). These birds are a little smaller than a dove but bigger compared to a bulbul.

How fast can a myna bird fly?

Mynas beat their wings 5.1 per second.

How much does a myna bird weigh?

The weight of a common myna ranges between 3-14 oz (85-396.9 g).

What are their male and female names of the species?

Common myna birds have no external features to distinguish between males and females. Adult males are larger, have longer wattles and wider pelvic bones. The male and female do not have any distinct names.

What would you call a baby myna bird?

There is no particular name for baby myna birds. Chick is the term associated with young birds.

What do they eat?

Common myna consumes fruits, berries, grains, flower nectar, insects such as caterpillars, worms, flies, snails and spiders. This species of birds often behave like scavengers. It can turn into an agricultural pest that feeds on the fruits and seeds of plants like figs, mango, chilli, apple, pear and cereal crops like maize, rice and wheat. These birds also eat eggs of other birds as well as chicks and sometimes even adults of smaller species of birds and small reptiles. The hill myna only eats fruit.

Are they friendly?

Myna birds are lively but sometimes a bit aggressive. They can be friendly and cheerful when bred in captivity.

Would they make a good pet?

Myna birds are good pets as they quickly get accustomed to new environments even in the cage. Common hill myna can also be bred in captivity. The diet of common myna should have low iron, soft bill pellets for protein, minerals and vitamin supplements. Myna bird pet can be bought from breeders and hill myna bird price can range between $500-$1500.

Did you know

Indian myna bird is an invasive species and to get rid of them some measures must be adopted such as covering bins, blocking holes, installing bird netting, spikes and sometimes even euthanasia.

Can Mynah birds talk?

Yes, both hill myna and common myna are famous for the ability to mimic the human voice. Up to 100 words can be taught to these birds. Mynahs need a bit of patience from the owners for this. Repetition of the words helps them to memorize the words fast. Myna bird talking is possible because of the beak shape and clever manipulation of the tongue inside.

How invasive is the myna bird?

Mynah birds were introduced to different countries like Fiji, Hawaii, Australia to control pest in agricultural fields. This species is categorised as one of the only three birds among 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Species. These birds have often invaded the territories of native birds, destroying their nesting sites and roosting areas.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including great green macaw, or wood stork.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Myna Bird coloring pages.