Common Myna vs Superb Starling

Acridotheres tristis compared with Lamprotornis superbus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Common Myna Superb Starling
Scientific Name Acridotheres tristis Lamprotornis superbus
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Sturnidae Sturnidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 25.0 cm (9.8 in)
Wingspan 38.0 cm (15.0 in) 23.5 cm (9.3 in)
Weight 120.0 g (4.23 oz) 68.5 g (2.42 oz)
Diet Omnivorous — insects, fruit, grain, and kitchen scraps. Bold and opportunistic around human settlements. --
Clutch Size 2-6 4
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Common Myna 25.0 cm
Superb Starling
Wingspan
Common Myna 38.0 cm
Superb Starling 23.5 cm
Weight
Common Myna 120.0 g
Superb Starling 68.5 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Common Myna only

Superb Starling only

None

Common Myna

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

Song & Call Comparison

Common Myna

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.

Superb Starling

Geographic Range & Migration

Common Myna

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

Superb Starling

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Common Myna

Least Concern

Superb Starling

How to Tell Them Apart

Common Myna

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

Superb Starling

About These Birds

Common Myna

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.

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