Acridotheres tristis

Size: Birds Size: 23-25 cm

Family: Sturnidae (Starlings and allies, 3 species in Australia)

Distribution: Within about 100-200 km of the coasts of eastern Australia and VIC, around areas settled by people.

Status: Locally Abundant to Common

Habitat: Urban

References: Simpson and Day, Reader's Digest, Common Indian Myna Web Site

About the Common ("Indian") Myna

The Common Myna (usually called the Indian Myna) is a well known introduced bird of urban and settled areas. Some peope say it is regarded as Australia's number one feral enemy (which is a large claim considering the damage done by some of the other main feral species like the red fox and the cane toad). The indian myna takes over nesting hollows that would otherwise be used by native birds and small mammals, and they prey on nests of other birds. They are often seen around garbage bins and garbage in general.

Although it is easily the most hated bird in Australia and many other countries, in India, where they come from originally (and where they belong), people like them. In India the Common Indian Myna is called the “Farmer’s Friend” because it eats insects that destroy crop plants. The name myna comes from a Hindi word, “maina” meaning a bird of the starling family, Sturnidae, to which mynas belong. Mynas in India are also regarded as symbols of undying love, because they often pair for life and maina is also sometimes used as a term of endearment for young girls.

Photo: Lake Parramatta, NSW.

Photo: Lake Parramatta, NSW.

Photo: Lake Parramatta, NSW.

See Also

Australian Mammals
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Fish
Australian Spiders and Their Faces
Australian Wild Plant Foods

Return to Australian Birds