Indian Myna Bird Action Program

Indian Myna birds pose a threat to the long term survival of many of our native birds and animals and are considered as a concern for biodiversity at a global level.

They commonly compete with native birds and animals that nest in tree hollows, impacting on the lifecycle of native species that depend on these areas for breeding and habitat.

Unlike our native birds, Indian Mynas breed more than once each season.

The large nests they build rot after they've vacated, making that tree hollow unsuitable for native species to nest in.

Indian Myna birds commonly nest in roofs of houses, where their accumulated droppings and mites can encourage disease.

Bites from bird mites can cause skin irritation, and if inhaled can contribute to asthma and hay fever.

The messy and unhygienic lifestyle of the Indian Myna is evident at popular roost and feeding sites such as school grounds, shopping centres, fast food outlets and outdoor eating areas.

With poor hygiene and a scavenging lifestyle, Indian Mynas are similar to rats and cockroaches in their potential to spread disease and impact human health.

Noise from Indian Myna bird roosts, at pre-dawn and at dusk, can also result in considerable distress and sleep deprivation from living close to a roost site.

The introduced Indian Myna Bird is sometimes confused with the native Noisy Miner - a much less destructive animal. Here's how to tell the difference.

Introduced species, the Indian Myna

Indian Myna birds are most often seen strutting around the ground looking for food, generally in places where humans gather and eat.

They are opportunistic scavengers and will eat almost anything that is easy to find, this is why they are sometimes referred to as "rats of the sky".

They gather noisily in large numbers to roost (sleep), often in non-native trees and palms.

Description: Black head, yellow beak and eye patch, chocolate brown body, white wing patch (highly visible in flight), long yellow legs.

Australian native, the Noisy Miner

The Noisy Miner is a small gregarious honeyeater, most often seen feeding on native plants, eating insects and nectar from the flowers.

It is aggressive enough to frighten away cats and other predators, but timid enough to be frightened of humans.

It is an Australian native and, as such is protected. Unlike the introduced Indian Myna, the Noisy Miner does not kill other native birds or mammals.

They have a very loud call that sounds like a repetitive 'pwee, pwee, pwee'

Description: Black hood, pale grey feathers, white coat, yellow beak and eye patch, flesh coloured legs, longer tail.

By following a few simple tips, you can turn your backyard from an Indian Myna bird retreat into a native bird haven!

Limit feeding opportunities for Indian Myna birds by:

• disposing or composting food scraps
• covering or moving pet food that would otherwise be exposed to the birds during the day. Exposed pet food, such as dog or cat biscuits are a favoured food source for these birds
• planting native species in your gardens, as this encourages native birds to call your backyard home. Indian Myna birds favour exotic vegetation; especially cocos palm trees, which they use for food, nesting and protection.

Limit nesting opportunities by:

• identifying and patching up any holes or possible nesting places these birds utilise around your house and/or carport
• encouraging the nesting of native birds in any suitable trees or hollows in your garden.

Report sighting of Indian Myna birds in your area online at Feral Scan

Report a tree on council land that are used by Indian Myna birds to roost.

Report Roost Tree

Please note: reporting of roost trees may be used in future studies and does not mean the tree will be removed.

You can deter Indian Mynas around your home or commercial premises by:

1. Clearing away food scraps after eating outdoors, removing outdoor pet food, feed pets indoors, cover bins
2. Blocking holes/areas where Indian they might roost or nest
3. Installing wildlife friendly bird netting to block access to roosting or nesting areas
4. Installing bird spikes to prevent roosting on ledges
5. Installing sensor lights or sensor water sprinklers in roosting or nesting areas.

Under our Indian Myna Bird Action Program, the trap operator is required to humanely euthanise trapped birds in accordance with the NSW Department of Primary Industries - Standard Operating Procedure for trapping pest birds(PDF, 227KB).