Indian Myna Birds
The Indian Myna (often referred to as the Common Myna) is a medium sized bird with primarily brown feathers. They have a dark brown to black head with a vibrant yellow patch around the eye, a yellow beak, legs, and feet. The Myna birds have a distinct hop when they move across the ground and can often be spotted in small to large groups.
Indian Myna birds were first introduced to Australia in 1862 to control insects but are now widespread throughout eastern Australia. The Indian Myna is ranked amongst the world’s 100 most invasive pest species. They are now considered to be one of the most common introduced birds in towns and cities all along the east coast of Australia. Due to their aggressive nature, Indian Mynas can drive small birds out of gardens and will take on larger birds and other animals such as Blue Tongue Lizards. The Indian Myna is a scavenger/ opportunistic feeder, feeding on birds’ eggs, chicks, insects, as well as pet food and human scraps.
Indian Mynas pose a serious risk to our native wildlife and biodiversity within the Camden LGA. Impacts of Indian Myna’s are known to include:
-
Reduced breeding success of native birds and some small marsupials when Indian Myna’s out compete native species for nesting hollows;
-
Damage to crops;
-
The spread of weed species such as lantana and fireweed;
-
Spread of diseases with a risk to native birds; and
-
Loss of amenity due to the build-up of faecal material.
To help prevent Indian Myna population increase, we can do the following:
-
Supervise pets when feeding them outside;
-
Avoid leaving food scraps and uneaten pet food outside;
-
Ensure rubbish bins are covered securely;
- Please don’t feed birds in your backyard, it does more harm than good. Click here for more information.
- Limit nesting sites in the backyards:
- block potential nest sites, such as holes in the roof or gutters;
- remove any Indian Myna nests found on your property;
- remove palm trees or dead fronds; and
- remove Indian Myna eggs from next boxes and consider removing the nestbox for a period.
- Modify habitat to reduce Indian Myna presence:
- reduce the area of open lawns, to reduce the area available for foraging;
- block cavities in the roof and install gutter guards or bird proofing;
- plant native shrubs to attract native birds; and
- remove introduced shrubs/trees that provide food/shelter for Indian Mynas (for example Cocos Palms).
It is important to note that the Indian Myna is an introduced pest while the Noisy Miner is a native species. There are several key differences between these species.
To help Council monitor the number of Indian Mynas, please report sightings using mynascan here.
For residents who are affected by these birds and would like to trap them, there are two options:
- Traps are available for purchase or hire by contacting the Narellan Men’s Shed by email atmenshednarellan@yahoo.com.au. The address for Narellan Men’s Shed is 1 Mount Annan Drive, Narellan (located behind the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living).
- Build a trap. Plans to build a trap are available here. Alternatively, the following video provides step-by-step instructions:
It is essential that trapped Indian Myna’s are treated humanely and to adhere to humane methods of euthanasia. More information is available via this RSPCA Factsheet.
To contact the Council's Sustainability Team please call 13 22 63 or email sustainability@camden.nsw.gov.au