Common mynas

The common myna (or Indian myna) was introduced into Australia from southern Asia in the 1860s. Myna birds are now listed as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species by the International World Conservation Union. 

Why are mynas a problem?

Mynas have become a major problem along the east coast of Australia, where they threaten native species by taking over nesting hollows from native birds and animals, as well as killing native birds’ chicks and destroying their eggs. Mynas also damage crops, orchards and vineyards and eat stock feed.

A breeding pair of mynas can raise up to 24 chicks a year, so their numbers can grow rapidly.

What you can do

• Ensure mynas can’t get to pet food or stock feed. 
• Clean up any food left outdoors, such as after parties or barbecues in parks. 
• Block any holes or entry points into your roof cavity to prevent mynas nesting there, making sure that you don’t accidentally imprison a possum, bat or other native animal.
• Avoid planting tall thin trees with dense foliage like pencil pines, which mynas will use for roosting at night. 
• Visit the pestSMART website for information on myna management, trapping and euthanasia.
• Record myna activity in MynaScan.
• Volunteer your time or donate to Macleay Landcare.