Threats to Birds - Common India Myna (Acridotheres tristis)

Indian Mynah by Joshua Rose

Photo: Joshua Rose

 

Overview

A native to India and southeast Asia, Australia considers this bird the second greatest threat to native birds after habitat destruction. They are extremely aggressive and chase native birds from food, nest sites, and they throw chicks out of nests. They occur on all of the main islands of Hawaii below 8,200 feet in elevation, and are considered a pest to birds there. Dubbed the “garbage bird” because of how it flourishes around humans, garbage dumps, factories, schools, and shopping centers.

 

Description

 

A brown and black bird with a yellow eye patch. They often nest in the roofs of houses and they favor palm trees.

 

 

 

Birds Affected

 

Significant predators of eggs of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters.

 

Control

 

Must be done by trapping, although Mynas are very intelligent and can become trap-shy. Poisoning is not a good option.