Indian Mynas

Indian Mynas are one of only three birds on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) list of the 100 most invasive species on the planet.  They were introduced to Australia in 1862 (in Melbourne) and have since spread along the East Coast as far as Cairns and there are also records in Darwin, Adelaide and Perth.

Indian Mynas are a threat to native wildlife because of their aggressive defence of territory, their competition for food, and their competition for nest hollows/artificial nest boxes.  In the case of the latter, they will actively evict other species from their nests, kill young, destroy eggs, and block-off empty hollows to prevent use by other birds.

Indian Mynas are also prolific breeders and can produce two to three clutches of eggs a year, resulting in up to 18 young.  By comparison, rosellas will only usually raise two or three chicks.

Indian Mynas should not be confused with the native Noisy Miner.  There are key differences, as illustrated below:

Noisy Miners, as a native species, are protected by law!

Controlling Indian Mynas

There are several things you can do to discourage/control Indian Mynas on your property.

Indian Mynas are attracted to sources of food, although mainly insectivores, they will eat everything from pet food to livestock feed. By reducing their access to food, you can have an immediate impact on bird numbers on your property.

Planting native shrub and tree species can also help, as can reducing areas of short grass, such as lawns. Indian Mynas prefer parkland type habitat and will generally avoid wooded and shrubby areas.

Where Indian Mynas persist, a program of trapping can be very effective. PeeGee traps (see illustration below) an be used to catch pest birds and allow for the release of any native species that may get caught. Once trapped, Mynas can then be humanely euthanased.

N.B. Indian Mynas, as with all other vertebrate animals, are covered by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and must be treated humanely.