Common Myna vs Ashy Starling
Acridotheres tristis compared with Lamprotornis unicolor
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Myna | Ashy Starling |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acridotheres tristis | Lamprotornis unicolor |
| 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) | 24.6 cm (9.7 in) |
| Weight | 120.0 g (4.23 oz) | 61.0 g (2.15 oz) |
| Diet | Omnivorous — insects, fruit, grain, and kitchen scraps. Bold and opportunistic around human settlements. | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-6 | 3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
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
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.
Ashy 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.
Ashy Starling
Conservation Status
Common Myna
Ashy Starling
How to Tell Them Apart
Common Myna
Brown body with a glossy black hood, yellow bill, and bare yellow skin behind the eye. White wing patches conspicuous in flight. Yellow legs.
Strong, slightly curved yellow bill
Ashy 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.
Ashy Starling
The Ashy Starling is a medium-sized starling endemic to Tanzania, found in dry acacia woodland and bushland. Weighing about 61g with a wingspan near 24.6cm, it has uniform grey-brown plumage lacking the iridescence typical of many starlings. It feeds on fruit and insects and often moves in small flocks.