Common Myna vs Babbling Starling
Acridotheres tristis compared with Neocichla gutturalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Myna | Babbling Starling |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acridotheres tristis | Neocichla gutturalis |
| 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) | 21.6 cm (8.5 in) |
| Weight | 120.0 g (4.23 oz) | 68.0 g (2.40 oz) |
| Diet | Omnivorous — insects, fruit, grain, and kitchen scraps. Bold and opportunistic around human settlements. | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-6 | 2 |
| 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.
Babbling 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.
Babbling Starling
Conservation Status
Common Myna
Babbling 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
Babbling 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.
Babbling Starling
The Babbling Starling is a medium-sized starling found in open woodland and savanna in Central Africa, weighing about 68g with a wingspan of 21.6cm. It is named for its constant chattering calls and travels in noisy, social groups. It feeds on insects, fruit, and small invertebrates on the ground and in low vegetation.