From Opus

Acridotheres tristis

Photo by qiubird

photo from Sydney, Australia.

[edit] Identification

This 25 cm long bird has dark brown body and wing plumage, with large white wing patches obvious in flight. The head and throat are dark grey. The bill, bare skin around the eyes and strong legs are bright yellow. The sexes are similar. Mynas mate for life.

[edit] Distribution

It has extended its range into southeast Asia, and has been introduced widely elsewhere, including South Africa, Israel, Hawaii, North America (especially in southern Florida), Australia, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

Introduced to Australia in late1800s,also as established escaped cage birds in Europe, North Africa, Arabia.

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 2 subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

This abundant passerine is typically found in open woodland, cultivation and around habitation.

[edit] Behaviour

The Common Myna builds a nest in hole in a tree or wall. Nests in nooks and crannies but prefers holes in trees, particularly palms. The normal clutch is 4-6 eggs.

Like most starlings, the Common Myna is omnivorous. It feeds on insects and fruits and discarded waste from human habitation. It forages on the ground among grass for insects, and especially for grasshoppers from which it gets the generic name Acridotheres, "grasshopper hunter". It walks on the ground with occasional hops.

[edit] Vocalisation

The song includes croaks, squawks, chirps, clicks and whistles and it often fluffs its feathers and bobs its head in singing. The Common Myna screeches warnings to its mate or other birds in cases of predators in proximity.

[edit] External Links