The Common (Indian) Myna Pictures and Detail (Acridotheres tristis)

Close up Common Myna

The Common (Indian) Myna Pictures and Detail (Acridotheres tristis)

As the name suggests, this bird is very common in India and it is one of the most invasive birds in the present world. Common Myna is one such bird that makes her presence felt to you by coming very close to humans. 

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A Pair of a Common Myna 

In India, we can find this bird in a big number with other species and subspecies of it. Common or Indian Myna is one bird about which a maximum number of people must have knowledge that they exist because they are everywhere and they have best adapted themselves to the urban lifestyle. These birds can be truly said to be the competitor of crows because they can be seen fighting with crows for food items. 

The scientific name of these birds is Acridotheres Tristis and they belong to the Sturnidae family of birds. Common Myna is a native bird of Asia; however, now this bird is found in most parts of the world, and in Australia, it is declared a threat to biodiversity. Adaptability is the main key element in these birds that makes them so successful. Even we can find this skill in all myna birds.

The main food of common myna is insects, human waste, seeds, grains, small reptiles, small mammals and fruits. With so long a list of food, Common myna can survive anywhere, therefore, we find them now everywhere.

In my home, they come very often to take some share from the dog food, sometimes, when the dog doesn't eat his food, then this time is like a party for common Myna.

Common Myna Looking for Dog Food

We can find this bird alone, in pairs, in groups or in mixed groups. It is common to see them walking to go close to food or to catch insects. Being declared an invasive species, its population is to decrease in some countries like Singapore.

Close Up Two Common Myna

These birds are called flying rats in Australia because of their habits similar to rats. Though, they are helpful bids like crows and clean all human waste.

Some people also put common Myna in cages because of its sweet voice and speaking ability. However, I have never seen them in captivity.

Common Myna

Sometimes, Common (Indian) Myna poses a threat to other birds by displacing them from their native's nest. These birds fit best on the example of survival of the fittest.

All pics by Arvind Katoch