Hindi Name – Mynah
Species – Acridotheres tristis
Origin – Asia
Size – 23 cms
Breeding season – All through the year
Family – Mynah (Acridotheres tristis) is a bird in the family Sturnidae.
Description –, The common myna is readily identified by the brown body, black hooded head and the bare yellow patch behind the eye. The bill and legs are bright yellow. There is a white patch on the outer primaries and the wing lining on the underside is white. The sexes are similar and birds are usually seen in pairs.
Breeding Season – Common mynas are believed to pair for life. They breed through much of the year depending on the location.
Diet – Like most starlings, the common myna is omnivorous. It feeds on insects, arachnids, crustaceans, reptiles, small mammals, seeds, grain and fruits and discarded waste from human habitation.
Habitat – An omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct, it is typically found in open woodland, cultivation and around habitation. The common myna thrives in urban and suburban environments.
Distinct Feature – The calls include croaks, squawks, chirps, clicks, whistles and ‘growls’, and the bird often fluffs its feathers and bobs its head in singing. Common mynas are popular as cage birds for their singing and “speaking” abilities. Before sleeping in communal roosts, common mynas vocalise in unison, which is known as “communal noise”.