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Common Myna

Acridotheres tristis

Least Concern
Length
25.0 cm
Wingspan
38.0 cm
Weight
120.0 g
Family
Sturnidae
Order
Passeriformes

About

The common myna has been named one of the world's 100 worst invasive species by the IUCN. Originally from South Asia, it has been introduced to tropical regions worldwide where it outcompetes native birds for nest cavities. Despite its invasive status, the myna is an intelligent and charismatic bird capable of mimicking human speech.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Body Length 25.0 cm 9.8 in
Wingspan 38.0 cm 15.0 in
Weight 120.0 g 4.23 oz

Identification

Plumage

Brown body with a glossy black hood, yellow bill, and bare yellow skin behind the eye. White wing patches conspicuous in flight. Yellow legs.

Bill

Strong, slightly curved yellow bill

Habitat & Range

Urban areas, farmland, and open woodland. Closely associated with humans and one of the most successful avian urban colonizers.

Geographic Range

Native to South and Southeast Asia. Introduced and invasive in Australia, South Africa, Middle East, and many Pacific islands.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous — insects, fruit, grain, and kitchen scraps. Bold and opportunistic around human settlements.

Conservation Status

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: CV. Incubation: 15 days. Fledging: 29 days.

Clutch Size

2-6

Sound

Song

A noisy, cackling chatter and melodious whistling mixed together. An accomplished mimic of other birds and sounds. Gives repeated 'mee-ow' and harsh 'quarr' alarm calls.

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes (Songbirds)
Family Sturnidae (Starlings & Mynas)
Genus Acridotheres
Species Acridotheres tristis

Names in Other Languages

Language Name
German Hirtenmaina
Spanish Miná Común

Distribution

Common Myna has been recorded in 48 countries.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Common Myna eat?
Omnivorous — insects, fruit, grain, and kitchen scraps. Bold and opportunistic around human settlements.
Where does the Common Myna live?
Urban areas, farmland, and open woodland. Closely associated with humans and one of the most successful avian urban colonizers.
Is the Common Myna endangered?
The Common Myna has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Common Myna nest?
Nest type: CV. Incubation: 15 days. Fledging: 29 days.
What does the Common Myna sound like?
A noisy, cackling chatter and melodious whistling mixed together. An accomplished mimic of other birds and sounds. Gives repeated 'mee-ow' and harsh 'quarr' alarm calls.
How big is the Common Myna?
The Common Myna has a body length of 25.0 cm, wingspan of 38.0 cm, weight of 120.0 g.
What order and family does the Common Myna belong to?
The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) belongs to the order Passeriformes and the family Sturnidae.

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