Common Myna

    • Derivation of scientific name: The genus name Acridotheres comes from the Ancient Greek and Latin words akridos (locust or grasshopper) and thēras or theres (hunter). The name translates to ‘locust hunter’. The species name tristis is a Latin word meaning gloomy, sad or dull-coloured, which likely refer to the brown plumage of the bird’s body.

    Common names: Common Myna, Indian Myna, House Myna (Eng.), Indiese spreeu (Afr.).

    The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is an invasive bird that was used for biological control to manage insect populations. It is one of only three bird species featured on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ‘100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species’ list (Lowe et al. 2000; Global Invasive Species Database 2021; Pyšková et al. 2022).

    In the 18th century, the Common Myna was deliberately introduced by the French to the Mauritius and Réunion Islands for pest control (Cheke & Hume 2008). Since then, the species has been introduced to thirteen additional regions and has spread globally, including across the African continent (Long 1981).

    Indigenous biodiversity is threatened by the presence of these birds because not only do they compete for resources such as habitat and food, but they also are also aggressive in nature causing harm to native birds (Atsawawaranunt et al. 2023). In South Africa, Common Mynas have successfully invaded urban and agricultural areas, they have even infiltrated conservation areas such as the Kruger National Park (Pyšková et al. 2022).

    Description/How to recognise the Common Myna

    According to Linnaeus (1766), the head and chest of the Common Myna are black, while the belly and back are chocolate brown. The legs and beak are a bright yellow colour. The almond-shaped, feather-less skin around the eye is also yellow. The lower belly and undertail are white, while the tail display black and white feathers. During flight, wide white patches are visible on the wings. Juvenile birds are lighter, featuring a browner head and throat instead of the adult’s black coloration.

    Getting around

    Common Mynas like to walk rather than hop, which is used as a key identification feature to differentiate them from other birds (Lin 2007). Occasionally, the Common Myna does hop, especially when searching for food or when moving quickly. Their movement patterns normally include short distance travel, up to 3 km between roosting and feeding sites (Lin 2007). Nonetheless, Common Mynas are capable of long-distance flights exceeding 100 km, such as inter-island movements (Dhami et al. 2009; Parkes & Avura 2006; Peneaux & Griffin 2016).

    Communicating

    The Common Myna communicates through various sound ranges and high vocal sounds (CABI Compendium 2025), including:

    • Territorial calls – intense morning calling sessions lasting 5 to 15 minutes involving creaky notes, growls, rattles, gurgles, chattering and bell-like sounds to establish and defend territory.
    • Duets – paired birds often call together to coordinate activities and strengthen pair bonds.
    • Alarm and contact calls – fledglings emit persistent ‘chi-chi-chis’ while adults produce harsh squawks.
    • Communal roost calls – noisy chattering occurs during communal roosting, continuing well after nightfall and before dawn.
    • Mimicry – Common Mynas can mimic other birds, environmental sounds, and even human speech, producing whistles, squawks, grating sounds and imitated noises such as car horns.

    Notably, Common Mynas adjust their calls based on their environment; urban mynas tend to have calls with different frequencies and durations compared to those in semi-rural areas.

    Distribution

    Native to central and southern Asia, the Common Myna is widely found across India, Afghanistan, Turkestan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, southern Russia and former Soviet states (Lin 2007).

    Deliberate introductions began in the 18th and 19th centuries, targeting biological control of locusts and grasshoppers. The species was first introduced to Mauritius and Réunion from India (Cheke & Hume 2008), then from these islands to the Seychelles and Madagascar (Lever 1987). Isaac Newton (cited in Lever 1987) also observed the presence of these birds dating back to 1862, with the introductions taking place at the end of the 18th century.

    In South Africa, the Common Myna first appeared in Durban in 1902, where these birds escaped from captivity (Peacock et al. 2007). Thereafter, several introductions were observed with the first being unsuccessful (Brooke et al. 1986). Presently, the species occupies multiple provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, Northwest, Northern Cape and Western Cape (Peacock et al. 2007). Most importantly, they have recently made their way into protected areas such as the Kruger National Park.

    Habitat

    Common Mynas are highly adaptable, inhabiting floodplains, grasslands, cultivated areas, plantations, desert oases, foothills and urban environments (Lin 2007). They mostly occupy tropical and subtropical habitats. The species is non-migratory, remaining in suitable habitats year-round in South Africa and elsewhere (Pyšková et al. 2022).

    They are also mobile and capable of exploiting new habitats, often flying considerable amounts of distances (South African National Parks 2024). In addition, Common Mynas are cavity nesters using natural tree hollows, openings in structures, eaves, window alcoves and downspouts. In the Kruger National Park, they have been observed to be breeding in nests of native birds like the Red-billed Buffalo Weaver and sometimes harassing these species.

    Food

    Their diet is omnivorous, including plant matter (fruits, berries, grains, flower nectar); invertebrates (beetle larvae, caterpillars, worms, flies, snails, spiders); street litter, garbage, farm waste and carrion (CABI Compendium 2025). During their first ten days of life, nestlings prefer eating invertebrates (Markula Hannan-Jones & Csurhes 2009). Furthermore, when insects are scarce, fruits and seeds become a more significant dietary component (Peacock et al. 2007).

    They can also become agricultural pests, feeding on crops such as figs, papayas, mangoes, chilies, dates, apples, pears, tomatoes, maize, wheat and rice (Peacock et al. 2007). Common Mynas also prey on eggs and chicks of other birds and occasionally small adult birds (Lin 2007). Foraging occurs on the ground but also involves feeding in trees and scavenging human waste (Australian Museum 2003).

    Sex and life cycles

    These birds are monogamous and maintain territory year-round (Global Invasive Species Database 2011). Females lay up to six pale greenish-blue eggs per clutch, averaging four per bird (Massam 2001). Per season, two broods are raised, and both parents are involved in caring for the young. The breeding season is different depending on the region; New Zealand (October to March), southern Africa (beginning September), Madagascar (October to January), and the Seychelles, mainly during the rainy season from September to March (Safford & Hawkins 2013).

    Both parents incubate eggs for 13 to 14 days, females tend to incubate more than males (Massam 2001). After 20 to 32 days fledglings occur (average 25 days). Offspring receive parental care for about three weeks post-fledging and reach sexual maturity between nine and twelve months. Young birds gather in small groups and may form pairs by nine months, though few reproduce in their first year. Lifespan averages four years, with some reaching twelve (Markula Hannan-Jones & Csurhes 2009). 

    THE BIG PICTURE

    Friends and foes

    Friends of the Common Myna include organisms that it uses as food, shares its nest with as well as humans who indirectly provide food via scraps and leftovers (A–Z Animals, n.d.). In addition, its foes include its natural predators such as tape worms and parasites.

    Smart strategies

    Highly intelligent, Common Mynas adjust successfully to human-modified environments. They build nests in manufactured structures such as buildings, eaves and window alcoves (Centre for Invasive Species Solutions 2014). Their wide-ranging diet allows them to exploit fruits, grains, insects, small animals, garbage and kitchen scraps. Their aggressiveness helps them outcompete native species for food and nesting sites. They can escape traps and explore novel food sources and survive diverse climates by using microhabitats like pig sheds.

    Poorer world without me

    On the positive side of things, they help indigenous plants, especially trees, disperse seeds and pollinate their flowers. Furthermore, their ability to scavenge keeps organic matter and waste accumulation under control (Alatawi 2024). In addition, they also contribute to pest control by consuming insects harmful to crops (CABI Compendium 2025). They help pollinate flowers and disperse seeds of native plants. Their scavenging reduces organic waste in urban environments and aids nutrient recycling, thus supporting ecosystem processes (Alatawi 2024).

    People and I

    Famous for mimicking human speech, Common Mynas represent memory, intelligence, imitation, communication, tenacity, artistic expression and flexibility (World Birds, n.d.). Their monogamous and cooperative parenting behaviour represents passion, protection and familial ties. As spirit animals, they embody extroversion, wit, optimism, adaptability, foresight and outcome prediction.

    In Hindu mythology, the Myna means ‘delightful’ or ‘joyful’ and is sometimes seen as a divine messenger representing prayer and faith. Dreaming of a Myna can also represent loneliness or encourage self-expression. Despite their charm, in many regions they are regarded as pests and symbolise invasiveness.

    Conservation status and what the future holds

    The Common Myna is classified as ‘Least Concern’ due to its flexibility and large, stable worldwide populations (Birdlife International 2023). As mentioned before, any region where it is established, the Common Myna becomes invasive and outcompetes the native wildlife. For that reason, conservation efforts focus on managing populations rather than welfare.

    Relatives  

    Relatives of the Common Myna are the starling bird species; there are currently 15 bird species present in South Africa including the Greater Blue-eared Starling, Cape Starling, Red-winged Starling, Watlled Starling, Burchell’s Starling, Meve’s Starling and many more.

    Another introduced starling, the Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), arrived in 1899 and is also expanding in urban and agricultural areas. The starling family (Sturnidae) is ancient and diverse, mostly Old World in origin. The success of invasive species like the Common Myna and Common Starling shows their evolutionary adaptability and behavioural flexibility in human-altered environments, significantly altering native bird communities and ecosystem dynamics.

    Official common name: Common Myna 

    Scientific name and classification:

    Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Chordata
    Class: Aves
    Order: Passeriformes
    Family: Sturnidae
    Genus: Acridotheres
    Species: A. tristis (Linnaeus, 1766)

    References

    • Alatawi, A.S. 2024. Changes in bird abundance following Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) control on urban environments. Journal of King Saud University – Science, 36(9), Article 103367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2024.103367
    • Atsawawaranunt, K., Ewart, K.M., Major, R.E., Johnson, R.N., Santure, A.W. & Whibley, A. 2023. Tracing the introduction of the invasive Common Myna using population genomics. Heredity. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-023-00621-w
    • Australian Museum. 2003. Common Myna factsheet. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/common-myna/
    • A–Z Animals (n.d.) Myna bird. Viewed 2025. https://a-z-animals.com/animals/myna-bird/
    • BirdLife International. 2023. Acridotheres tristis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T22705377A223973509. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T22705377A223973509.en
    • Bonada, N., Prat, N., Resh, V.H. & Statzner, B. 2006. Developments in aquatic insect biomonitoring: A comparative analysis of recent approaches. Annual Review of Entomology, 51(1), 495–523. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ento.51.110104.151124
    • Brooke, R.K., Jacka, K. & Somers, M.J. 1986. The occurrence and spread of introduced bird species in the northern Transvaal with special reference to the common myna. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 16(4), 135–145.
    • CABI Compendium. 2025. Acridotheres tristis (Common Myna). https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.2994
    • Centre for Invasive Species Solutions. 2014. Overview of common Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis). https://pestsmart.org.au/toolkit-resource/overview-of-common-indian-myna-acridotheres-tristis-or-sturnus-tristis/
    • Cheke, A. & Hume, J. 2008. Lost land of the dodo: An ecological history of Mauritius, Réunion & Rodrigues. T. & A.D. Poyser.
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    • Dhami, M.K., & Nagle, B. 2009. Review of the biology and ecology of the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) and some implications for management of this species. https://indianmynaaction.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Tidemann-Myna-trapping-Final-Report-March-2010.pdf
    • Global Invasive Species Database. 2011. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis). https://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=108
    • Global Invasive Species Database. 2021. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis). https://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/100_worst.php
    • Lever, C. 1987. Naturalized birds of the world. Longman Scientific & Technical.
    • Lin, T. 2007. ‘Acridotheres tristis’ (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Viewed November 17, 2025, at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Acridotheres_tristis/
    • Linnaeus, C. 1766. Systema naturae (12th ed., Vol. 1). Laurentius Salvius. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/137337
    • Long, J.L. 1981. Introduced animals of the world: The worldwide history, distribution and influence of animals introduced to new environments. David & Charles.
    • Markula Hannan-Jones, M., & Csurhes, S. 2009. Management of Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis) in Australia. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland, Australia. (Report).
    • Parkes, J., & Avura, K. 2006. Management of common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in the Cook Islands. Pacific Invasives Initiative, University of Auckland.https://indianmynaaction.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/New-Zealand-paper.pdf
    • Peacock, D., Van Rensburg, B.J., & Robertson, M.P. 2007. The distribution and spread of the invasive alien Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis (Aves: Sturnidae), in southern Africa. South African Journal of Science, 103(11–12), 465–473. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0038-23532007001200006
    • Peneaux, C., & Griffin, A.S. 2016. Opportunistic observations of travel distances in Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis). Canberra Bird Notes, 40(3), 228–243. https://indianmynaaction.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Peneaux-Griffin_2016_Opportunistic-observations-of-travel-distances-in-common-mynas-Acridotheres-tristis-2.pdf
    • Pyšková, K., et al. (2022). Common Myna invasion in South Africa: Range expansion and population growth in an iconic protected area. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02827-9
    • Safford, R. & Hawkins, F. (eds). 2013. The birds of Africa: Volume VIII: The Malagasy region. Academic Press / A&C Black. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Birds_of_Africa_Volume_VIII.html?id=PWUTAAAAQBAJ
    • South African National Parks. 2024. Common Myna invades Kruger: From unlikely invader to growing concern. https://www.sanparks.org/conservation/scientific-services/stories/common-myna-invades-kruger-from-unlikely-invader-to-growing-concern
    • Wang, X., Tsang, Y.F. & Picardo, N. 2010. Using fish communities as biological indicators in ecohydrological assessments. Ecological Indicators, 10(3), 563–572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2009.11.009
    • World Birds. (n.d.). Myna symbolism & meaning (plus totem, spirit & omens). Viewed July 28, 2025, from https://worldbirds.com/myna-symbolism/

    Author: Ruth Senokoane

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