Common Myna

The Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis (formerly known as the Indian Myna) are native to India and southern Asia. They were intentionally introduced to Australia in the early 1860s in an attempt to combat agricultural pests, mynas were slow to expand their range initially, but they eventually spread into rural areas, where they have thrived in paddocks and along roadsides.

Impacts

Common Mynas threaten native biodiversity due to their territorial behaviours and nest cavity competition. Defending their territory aggressively during the breeding season (August to March), they evict native bird species from nest boxes or tree hollows and even kill eggs and chicks. They take over nesting hollows from other hollow dependant birds, including native parrots.

Know the difference

Common mynas are often confused with the protected native Noisy Miner, Manorina melanocephala because of their similar size and appearance. It is important to know the difference. The common myna has:

  • a brown body
  • a glossy black head, neck and upper breast
  • distinctive white patches on their wings that are clearly visible in flight.

Common Myna – Introduced

 

 

 

Noisy Miner – Protected Native

While Noisy Miners display some of the same aggressive behaviours, they are protected under Australian law. Management of Noisy Miners is limited to habitat modification e.g. planting indigenous trees and shrubs, in particular dense ground and mid storey layers and avoiding certain nectar-rich plants.

Habitat

The Common Myna is closely associated with human habitation. Open areas where there is little tree cover, such as suburban open parks and gardens, are their prime habitats. The common myna also inhabits cleared agricultural areas.

In the evening, large groups of Common Mynas gather in communal roosts, mainly in the non-breeding season, in roof voids, bridges, and large trees, and numbers can reach up to several thousands.

Controlling Common Mynas

Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network recognises that Common Mynas pose a threat to native birds, especially in the urban fringe. Whilst we recognise that eradication of these pest birds would be extremely difficult, we aim to support landholders across the peninsula to reduce bird numbers to a level where their impact is minimised.

Firstly, it is important to deter mynas from your garden and encourage your neighbours and friends to do the same.

Common Mynas are accomplished scavengers, feeding on almost anything, including seeds, fruits and vegetables, scraps and even your pets’ food. You can reduce the food available by:

  • Seed for native birds will attract Indian Mynas and they will quickly dominate your garden. If you see
    Mynas at your bird feeder or in your garden, stop putting out birdseed immediately
  • Feed pets inside, or if that is not possible, put pet food inside during the day
  • Feed chickens and ducks in a secure pen so Mynas cannot get to the food. If you feed goats or horses, it is best to stay with the animals while they are feeding and clean up spilled or leftover pellets or grain
  • Cover your compost heaps and close rubbish bins so that food is not available.

Common Mynas nest in tree hollows, roofs, exotic trees, and the dead fronds of palms. To help break this cycle:

  • Block holes in roofs and eaves
  • Keep palms well-trimmed
  • Avoid planting clumps of exotic species such as Cocos Palm, Cocos plumosa; Slash Pine, Pinus elliotii; Radiata Pine, Pinus radiata and Umbrella Tree, Schefflera actinophylla, as these are all preferred Common Myna roosting trees.
  • If you have a Myna nest in your roof, gutters, a backyard tree, or a bird box in your garden, you should destroy it before the e.g.gs hatch. Put the nest in a garbage bag in your garbage bin and always wear gloves when handling nests
  • Planting a wide range of local native plant species in your garden will provide a diversity of habitats for native birds. Indian Mynas prefer foraging in area with a clear understorey. Gardens with a reduced lawn area containing a mixture of native trees, shrubs, and herbs, especially with a dense understorey, will attract a variety of birdlife without providing suitable habitats for Mynas.

Trapping

You can help reduce the impact of Common Mynas by trapping them in your garden or local area. The aim of trapping is to reduce the Indian Myna population, thereby reducing the threat to native birds and animals. Reducing the existing Common Myna population by trapping requires the humane handling of captured birds.

If you are trapping, first read the Animal Welfare Protocol.

For instructions on  trapping Common Mynas, please refer to the MP Landcare Indian Myna Project Handbook

You can build your own trap or perhaps purchase one from your local Men’s Shed.

Approved methods for humanely euthanising birds in Victoria

  1. Gassing them with CO2
  2. Cervical dislocation (only do this if you are experienced and confident)
  3. Taking them to your local vet and having them euthanised.

Common Myna Action Group

Go to Facebook and search for the ‘Mornington Peninsula Indian Myna Group’. “Like” this page and choose to receive notifications, joining the Mornington Peninsula Myna Action Group is free.

If you’ve read through all the information and attachments but still have questions, please contact Mal Legg, South West Mornington Peninsula Landcare Group, on 0438 898 325 for practical advice on trapping Common Mynas.