Acridotheres tristis
The Common Myna is a member of the starling family. It was introduced into Australia in the 1860s and, since then, has become a common and familiar bird along the east coast. Its success is mostly a result of its opportunistic behaviour and aggressiveness towards other species, bullying them around food sources and out competing them for nesting sites. The voice is unpleasant: a collection of growls and other harsh notes.
The Common Myna measures 23cm - 26cm. It is sometimes confused with the slightly larger (24cm - 29cm) Noisy Miner, Manorina melanocephala. Although, both have similar names, the Noisy Miner is actually a native honeyeater. Both have yellow bills, legs and bare eye skin, but the Common Myna is brown with a black head. In flight it shows large white wing patches. The Noisy Miner is mostly grey.
The Common Myna is closely associated with human habitation along the east and south-east coasts of Australia. It was introduced at Melbourne, from south-east Asia between 1862 and 1872, and quickly became established. In 1883, it was introduced into the cane fields of north-eastern Queensland to combat insect pests, particularly plague locusts and cane beetles. Other releases occurred throughout the east, and by the 1940s and 1950s the Common Myna was established in many metropolitan areas. The attempted introduction of Common Mynas at Launceston, Tasmania in 1900 and later in 1955 both failed. Some sightings have occurred since, however, probably of birds that have flown there from the mainland.
In the evening, large groups of Common Mynas gather in communal roosts, most noticeably in the non-breeding season. Roof voids, bridges, large trees and other similar areas are used, and numbers can reach up to several thousand birds. The noise from these large groups can be deafening.
Common Mynas are accomplished scavengers, feeding on almost anything, including insects, fruits and vegetables, scraps, pets' food and even fledgling sparrows. In southern Asia Common Mynas are not generally considered to be pests, as flocks follow the plough to feast on the insects and grubs turned up with the soil. In Australia, however, their fruit-eating habits make them a pest of fruit trees, especially figs. Birds are also responsible for picking off seedlings in market gardens.
Common Mynas mate for life. During the breeding season, normally from October to March, there is usually considerable competition for nesting sites. Favoured locations are in the walls and ceilings of buildings, making these birds a nuisance to humans. Nests are also placed in tree hollows, which are used by native birds. Nests are quite messy and consist of a variety of materials. Leaves, grasses, feathers and assorted items of rubbish are common materials.
Violent battles often erupt between occupants of nesting sites and the couple that wish to evict them. Each partner grapples with its opposite number and contestants drop to the ground secured in each other's claws. Bills are jabbed ruthlessly at the opponent. Finally, the defeated couple leaves to search for another site.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
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