sandeyeMYNA BIRDS - extract from OAFF
October 12th 2007 17:58
Originally from Asia, and introduced to Melbourne in the mid-late 1800’s, the common Myna - AKA Acridotheres tristis - was one of those species introduced to the cane fields of Queensland in the late 1800’s as an attempt to control unwanted pest insects. Their introduction to Tasmania failed to be as successful as it was in the mainland, though a few are still to be found there. The species currently inhabits much of the east and south east coast of Australia.
The legs and bill of the Common Myna are yellow. The bird has a white under tail and wing patch, which become more visible when in flight. With a rich brown plumage, darker head, and yellow surround to the eye, this bird belongs to the Starling family and is approximately the same size as the Common Starling.
The Noisy Miner, Manorina melanocephala, is less common in our district and is of the native Honeyeater rather than Starling family. People often confuse these two species due to their similar sounding everyday names.
The Common Myna inhabits parkland, farmland, and gardens. It holds little fear of humanity. It issues a loud and startling noise for a main call, but also mimics other birds and has an extensive repertoire. Their diet is just as varied; these birds can often be found soil-delving for grubs, taking flowers and fruit from trees or shrubs, eating scraps or pet-food, and sometimes baby Sparrows are also devoured.
We do not have a large flock in our own garden. However, on most days there are one or two foraging about the lawn, making shrill squawky calls from the carport roof, or seeing if anything has been left behind after the Seagulls and Pigeons devour the leftovers from our dinner plates.
The Common Myna picks a mate for life. There can be much squabbling amongst the species over a nesting site, with fierce beak and claw battles occurring until one pair give up their claim to the chosen site. Four or five eggs of a pale green-blue color are generally laid in the nest, which is a haphazard collection of twigs, leaves, feathers and general debris. Their nests are situated in tree-hollows, house-cavities, and other miscellaneous holes.
This was taken from my book, OUR AUSTRALIAN FEATHERED FRIENDS, which is due to be released on October 31st at www.lulu.com/winterbear
The legs and bill of the Common Myna are yellow. The bird has a white under tail and wing patch, which become more visible when in flight. With a rich brown plumage, darker head, and yellow surround to the eye, this bird belongs to the Starling family and is approximately the same size as the Common Starling.
The Noisy Miner, Manorina melanocephala, is less common in our district and is of the native Honeyeater rather than Starling family. People often confuse these two species due to their similar sounding everyday names.
The Common Myna inhabits parkland, farmland, and gardens. It holds little fear of humanity. It issues a loud and startling noise for a main call, but also mimics other birds and has an extensive repertoire. Their diet is just as varied; these birds can often be found soil-delving for grubs, taking flowers and fruit from trees or shrubs, eating scraps or pet-food, and sometimes baby Sparrows are also devoured.
We do not have a large flock in our own garden. However, on most days there are one or two foraging about the lawn, making shrill squawky calls from the carport roof, or seeing if anything has been left behind after the Seagulls and Pigeons devour the leftovers from our dinner plates.
The Common Myna picks a mate for life. There can be much squabbling amongst the species over a nesting site, with fierce beak and claw battles occurring until one pair give up their claim to the chosen site. Four or five eggs of a pale green-blue color are generally laid in the nest, which is a haphazard collection of twigs, leaves, feathers and general debris. Their nests are situated in tree-hollows, house-cavities, and other miscellaneous holes.
This was taken from my book, OUR AUSTRALIAN FEATHERED FRIENDS, which is due to be released on October 31st at www.lulu.com/winterbear
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