The Common Myna is a native of southern Asia, but they have been introduced in many other parts of the world. In North America, they have become established in southern Florida, where they are successfully reproducing in the wild and are expanding in range and in numbers. There is concern about the species as an invasive species, as in other parts of the world, they have rapidly increased and caused significant damage to agricultural crops and to natural ecosystems. The IUCN lists the Common Myna as one of the world's 100 most destructive invasive species, with Australian and South African ecosystems particularly impacted by the species. In Australia, they are now likely the most common bird species in many large urban centers. Given their rapid expansion in Florida, there are concerns that they could have a very significant impact on North American ecosystems if they continue to spread.
Habitat
The Common Myna thrives in open and human-modified habitats, including cities, towns, suburbs, parks, gardens, agricultural areas, orchards, roadsides, and village landscapes. Native to South Asia, it has been widely introduced to many parts of the world and is especially successful in urban and suburban environments where buildings, lawns, and scattered trees provide abundant nesting sites and food resources. It is less common in dense forests and tends to favor areas closely associated with human activity.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of food items. Typical food items include insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, seeds, nuts, grain, fruits, berries, small vertebrates such as small lizards or rodents, and bird eggs. They will also often feed on human refuse.
Behavior
The Common Myna is a bold, highly adaptable, and social bird that thrives around people. It commonly forages on the ground in pairs or small groups, walking confidently across lawns, streets, fields, and parking lots while searching for food. Common Mynas are aggressive competitors and often displace native birds from feeding areas and nest cavities. They frequently gather in large communal roosts, where hundreds or even thousands of birds may congregate at night.
Nesting
Common Myna pairs often breed for life. The pair build a nest in a cavity, either a natural tree cavity, or often a cavity in a man-made object. The nest consists of twigs, leaves, moss, and often, human refuse or other odd items. The female usually lays 3 to 5 eggs, and she does most of the incubating of the eggs. When the eggs hatch, both parents help feed the young. The young fledge after about 3 or 4 weeks, but are typically still dependent upon the parents for a few weeks after fledging.
Song
The Common Myna is an extremely vocal bird with a wide repertoire of whistles, chirps, squawks, gurgles, chatters, screeches, and harsh scolding calls. Its sounds are often loud, varied, and somewhat noisy, especially around roosts and nesting sites. Common Mynas are also capable mimics and may imitate the calls of other birds and various environmental sounds.
Migration
The Common Myna is generally nonmigratory in its introduced North American populations. Birds established in places such as Florida and Hawaii typically remain year-round within local areas, making only short-distance movements in response to food availability, weather, or roosting opportunities. Unlike many native North American songbirds, Common Mynas do not undertake regular seasonal migrations and are considered resident wherever established populations occur.
Similar Species
Distinctive compared to other North American birds, if seen well.
Conservation Status
Populations are increasing in North America, as well as in other parts of the world. They are found over a wide geographic area and are very common in some areas. The IUCN lists the Common Myna as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information
Photo taken on December 10th, 2012 - Near Everglades National Park in Florida - Terry Sohl
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access the interactive eBird species sightings page for Common Myna
