The Common Myna bird, also known as the Indian Myna, is a species of bird that belongs to the starling family. These birds are native to southern and southeastern Asia, and have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Africa and the Americas.
Common Mynas are medium-sized birds, with a distinctive yellow beak, brown body, and black head and wings. They are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including cities, forests, and farmland. They are known for their loud, raucous calls, which can be heard from a distance.
One reason for the success of the Common Myna is their ability to adapt to changing environments. They have a varied diet, feeding on insects, fruit, seeds, and even small animals like reptiles and amphibians. They are also highly social and often form large flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
However, the Common Myna has also been the subject of controversy in many parts of the world. In some areas, they have been introduced as a means of controlling pests, but have instead become pests themselves, driving out native bird species and causing damage to crops and gardens.
In Australia, the Common Myna is considered a major environmental pest, and efforts are underway to control their population. This has included initiatives like trapping and relocating birds, educating the public about the dangers of feeding them, and encouraging the use of native plants in gardens to attract other bird species.
Despite these challenges, the Common Myna remains a fascinating and often entertaining bird to observe. Their adaptability, intelligence, and social nature make them a unique and valuable part of the natural world.