Indian Mynas
Indian mynas, also known as Common Mynas, were introduced to Australia in the 1860s to control pests. These birds have adapted and are widespread throughout urban areas.
They are an invasive species competing with Australian wildlife for food and nesting resources. Indian mynas can be aggressive and will take over a native animal's tree hollow or nest box.
Due to naturalisation, this bird is not a prohibited or restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Common mynas aren't declared pests under City of Moreton Bay Local Laws. This species will not be eradicated locally.
Indian Mynas prefer urban and agricultural areas that have been cleared of native vegetation.
To learn more about Indian Mynas and their impacts, download BirdLife Australia's Indian Myna Case Study(PDF, 142KB).
How to identify an Indian Myna
The Indian Myna is an introduced species and is sometimes confused with the native Noisy Miner.
Both birds are:
- similar in size and appearance
- found in the same habitat
- territorial and have similar behavioural mannerisms
Both species have black heads, yellow eye patches, and yellow beaks.
The main difference is their body colour. Indian Mynas have a brown body with a white patch on their wings. Noisy Miners have a grey body with a thin yellow band on their wings.
What to do about Indian Mynas on your property
Understanding the habitat preferences and behaviour helps you decide what to do. Actions that you can take to discourage Indian Mynas on your property include:
- feeding your pets indoors and covering rubbish. Do not feed or leave scraps for birds to scavenge.
- covering any holes in your roof and guttering to prevent them from nesting. Instead, increase habitat for other hollow-dependent wildlife in your garden. You can install myna-proof nesting boxes with a backward-facing entry.
- gardening with plants of different heights and features (flowers, fruits, seeds).
- planting local vegetation to create an environment better suited to native birds and wildlife.
- expanding habitat for native birds and animals by connecting up gardens, parks, and reserves as habitat corridors.
Learn more about local ecosystems and native flora on Councils native plants and ecosystems page.
Community action groups
Residents wishing to take part in trapping programs should consider joining community action groups.
Look for groups with well-researched and coordinated programs that follow the RSPCA guidelines for trapping and euthanasia. For example, Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association Inc.
How Council protects our unique plants and animals
City of Moreton Bay aspires to be 'green as we grow'. We have made a commitment to restore and protect native habitats for our unique plants and animals.
Learn more about our Environmental commitments at Land for Wildlife and Environmental and conservation reserves in Moreton Bay.