Common Myna vs Waller's Starling
Acridotheres tristis compared with Onychognathus walleri
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Myna | Waller's Starling |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acridotheres tristis | Onychognathus walleri |
| 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) | 24.5 cm (9.6 in) |
| Weight | 120.0 g (4.23 oz) | 86.0 g (3.03 oz) |
| Diet | Omnivorous — insects, fruit, grain, and kitchen scraps. Bold and opportunistic around human settlements. | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-6 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
Common Myna only
Waller's Starling only
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.
Waller's 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.
Waller's Starling
Conservation Status
Common Myna
Waller's 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
Waller's 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.