Common myna

Common mynas。（圖片來源：sylvere corre，採用 CC BY-NC 4.0 授權。）

The Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) belongs to the order Passeriformes, family Sturnidae, and genus Acridotheres. It is a bird frequently encountered in the pet bird trade. Because of its remarkable ability to mimic sounds and its strong learning capacity, this species has long been popular in the pet market. In Chinese-speaking regions it is commonly referred to as 普通八哥, 家八哥, 印度八哥, or 禽吉了, while internationally it is widely known as the Common myna.

Behavior and Ecology

Like most members of the starling family, the Common myna is typically gregarious and often forages in small groups or loose flocks. In its native range it frequently occurs alongside species such as the Jungle myna (Acridotheres fuscus), the Rosy starling (Pastor roseus), and the House crow (Corvus splendens).

Despite this social tendency, the species also exhibits strong territorial behavior. During the nesting season individuals may actively drive away other birds or occupy the nests of other species.

In terms of behavior, the Common myna possesses an exceptional capacity for learning and vocal communication. It produces a wide range of vocalizations including croaks, screams, chatter, clicking sounds, whistles, and harsh “roaring” calls. When predators are nearby or when preparing for flight, individuals may also imitate the calls of other birds and issue warning signals.

Common myna preparing nesting material。（圖片來源：Photo Kao，採用 CC BY-NC 4.0 授權。）

Morphology

The Common myna is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of approximately 23 cm. In terms of body mass, males average about 109.8 grams, while females generally weigh between 120 and 138 grams, making females slightly heavier than males.

The species has a distinctive appearance. The body plumage is brown, while the head is black. A conspicuous patch of bare yellow skin occurs behind the eye. The bill and legs are bright yellow. A white patch is present on the outer primary feathers, and the underwing coverts are also white. There is little visible difference between males and females.

Native Range and Habitat

The Common myna is native to South Asia. Its natural distribution extends from Iran across the Indian subcontinent to mainland Southeast Asia and southwestern China.

The species has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including regions of the Americas, Africa, Oceania, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, where established populations now exist. Within its native range it typically inhabits open woodlands, agricultural land, and areas near human settlements. Because of its exceptional adaptability, escaped individuals can also form populations in urban environments.

Housing Requirements in Captivity

The Common myna is naturally curious and highly active. Therefore, when selecting a cage, it is recommended that the minimum dimensions be at least 40 × 30 × 30 cm (length × width × height). Suitable cage materials include bamboo, wood, or stainless steel. Bamboo and wooden cages can help simulate a more natural environment and may reduce stress responses in the bird, while stainless steel cages are easier to clean. Owners may choose according to their needs.

The cage interior should include perches, feeding and drinking areas, sheltered spaces, enrichment toys, and floor substrate. For perches, branches made of apple wood or willow are suitable. Installing two to three perches with different diameters (1–3 cm) is recommended. The highest perch should be positioned approximately 10–15 cm below the cage ceiling, while the lowest perch should be about 20 cm above the cage floor, with spacing of 15–20 cm between perches to reduce the risk of collision during movement.

For sheltered spaces, a small nest box or a simple cover made from a cardboard box can be placed inside the cage. The recommended minimum size is about 15 × 15 × 15 cm. It should ideally be positioned in a corner of the cage at a height of about 15–20 cm above the floor, providing the bird with a sense of security.

The feeding area should include a dedicated water dispenser and feeding bowls. A spill-resistant water dispenser is recommended. For food containers, separate small bowls can be used to hold fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein sources. These bowls should be placed in cage corners approximately 10–15 cm away from perches so the bird can access them easily.

Enrichment toys should be made of durable materials that allow the bird to peck and chew, helping maintain bill health. Suitable materials include wood and rubber. Examples include hardwood branches with a diameter of 3–5 cm and a length of 10–15 cm, rubber balls with a diameter of 5–8 cm, or small bell toys. These help reduce stereotypic behaviors that may arise from a monotonous cage environment. Toys can be placed about 20–30 cm from perches to provide adequate space for movement and play.

For cage substrate, newspaper or non-toxic wood shavings (free of additives such as formaldehyde) may be used. Newspaper can be layered 1–2 sheets thick, while wood shavings may be applied at a thickness of 2–3 cm. The substrate should be replaced regularly to maintain hygiene.

Feeding Conditions

The Common myna is an omnivorous bird. Suitable foods generally fall into four categories: grains, protein sources, fruits and vegetables, and formulated feed.

Grains such as rice, millet, and maize can serve as primary energy sources. Protein-rich foods may include mealworms and crickets. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and additional nutrients, while commercial bird feed can serve as a stable dietary base.

Feeding schedules and diet composition vary with age. During the chick stage, feeding should occur every 1–2 hours. Suitable foods include commercial chick formula or diluted egg yolk paste, with small amounts of vegetable puree added. Each feeding should continue until the chick stops begging for food.

During the juvenile stage, feeding frequency can be reduced to four to five times per day. The diet may include protein sources and fruits or vegetables, and birds can gradually be introduced to pelleted feed. Each feeding amount should be approximately 10–15% of the bird's body weight.

During adulthood, feeding can occur two to three times daily. Each feeding should provide about 5–10% of the bird's body weight. The main diet can consist of grains and formulated feed, supplemented with protein sources and fruits or vegetables to maintain balanced nutrition.

Because the Common myna has a relatively short digestive tract and absorbs fats inefficiently, fatty foods should be avoided. High-fat foods such as nuts should be limited to less than 5% of the diet.

Breeding Conditions

In Taiwan this species is considered an invasive species, and private breeding is generally discouraged.

In the wild, Common mynas typically nest in tree cavities, rock crevices, or abandoned nests of other birds. In introduced regions they frequently build nests in artificial structures such as street lamps, culverts, and holes in utility poles. Nest materials may include twigs, roots, coarse fibers, and various pieces of debris.

The breeding season generally occurs from March to July, and birds may breed one to two times per year. During courtship, males attract females through vocal displays. The species is generally regarded as monogamous, and once a pair bond forms, the pair usually remains together.

The incubation period lasts approximately 17–18 days, and chicks typically leave the nest after 22–24 days. Both parents participate in incubation and chick care by taking turns attending the nest.

Common myna chick（圖片來源：Chaym Turak，採用 CC BY-NC 4.0 授權。）

Preventing Invasive Spread

The Common myna originates from Asia and is highly adaptable. If released or abandoned, it can easily establish populations and become an invasive species that threatens local ecosystems.

The species competes with native birds for food resources and has been recorded hybridizing with native Crested mynas (Acridotheres cristatellus), which may negatively affect the genetic integrity and population stability of native species. In Taiwan it was officially designated as a restricted import species in 2022.

For this reason, owners must follow the principle of not abandoning and not releasing captive birds. Under no circumstances should a Common myna be released into the wild. If an owner is unable to continue caring for the bird, it should instead be transferred responsibly to another qualified caretaker.

Author: Rodrigo

Reference:

1. Lowe S., Browne M., Boudjelas S. and de Poorter M. (2000, updated 2004). 100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species: A selection from the Global Invasive Species Database

2. Ali, Salim; Ripley, S. Dillon. (2001). Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan, Volume 5 2 (paperback). India: Oxford University Press. 278. ISBN 978-0-19-565938-2.

3. Rasmussen, Pamela C.; Anderton, John C. (2005). Birds of South Asia - The Ripley Guide (volume 2). Smithsonian Institution, Washington & Lynx edicions, Barcelona. 584, 683. ISBN 978-84-87334-66-5.

4. Lola。(2025)。【獸醫監製】八哥壽命、疾病預防飼養攻略&6大八哥缺點。forpetsupply。https://www.forpetsupply.com/acridotheres-cristatellus/