- Type
- Introduced pest bird
- Status in NSW
- Introduced and not protected. Any trapping must be humane and follow the NSW pest bird code of practice.
The Indian myna (or common myna) was introduced to Australia in the 1860s to control insects and has become a pest in towns along the east coast. It is listed among the world's 100 worst invasive species. Mynas take over tree hollows that native birds and animals need for nesting.
How to identify it
The Indian myna is a sturdy bird 23 to 25 cm long. Look for:
- a chocolate-brown body with a glossy black head and neck
- a yellow beak, yellow legs and yellow skin around the eye
- bold white patches on the wings, very obvious in flight
- a confident, swaggering walk on the ground
Don't confuse it with the native noisy miner, which is mostly grey with no white wing patches. The noisy miner is protected.
Where it grows
Mynas live in towns, shopping areas, cafes, gardens and farmland. They nest in tree hollows, roof spaces, eaves and palm trees, and roost at night in tall, dense trees.
Why it's a problem
- They compete with native birds such as rosellas, and with small mammals, for nesting hollows, and may destroy their eggs and chicks.
- Their messy nests can leave hollows unusable.
- They eat pet and stock feed and damage fruit and crops.
- Nests in roofs and droppings around homes can be a health nuisance.
- One breeding pair can raise up to 24 chicks a year.
How to control it
Mynas do best where people give them food and shelter, so start there.
- Cover bins, feed pets indoors or clear away leftover pet food, and don't feed birds.
- Block holes in roofs and eaves, after checking no possums or bats are inside.
- Remove berry-producing weeds such as privet, ochna and camphor laurel.
- Trapping can help when many neighbours take part. Traps must give birds room to stretch their wings, have food, water and shade, and be checked at least every morning and evening. Any native bird must be released straight away.
- Trapped mynas must be euthanased quickly and humanely. Many councils and vets can help. Never release or relocate them.
Ask the Hastings Landcare office about traps and myna workshops.
Safety and disposal
- Make sure every bird you trap really is a myna, not a native noisy miner.
- Euthanasia must be humane and is covered by animal welfare law. If you are not trained, ask a vet.
Stopping it coming back
- Plant dense native shrubs rather than open lawn, palms and tall thin conifers that mynas like.
- Work with neighbours, because action across a street or suburb works far better than one backyard.
- Report sightings on MynaScan (feralscan.org.au/mynascan) to help map where they are.
