Birders across Bangalore are not sure if the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) is going the sparrow way. For the last decade we have seen a noticeable drop in the sparrow population in Bangalore. However on the fringes and in the city’s bylanes, one can see the perky little bird make an appearance. Now birders wonder if it is the turn of the cheeky little myna to make an exit, as its loud, raucous and pugnacious fighting call, is not as common as it was earlier.
Naveein O. C., a birder says: “A common myna took off from under my parked bike and I realised that I couldn’t remember the last time the bird.”
The Common Myna is brown with a black head. It has a bright yellow beak, legs and bare eye skin. In flight it shows large white wing patches. The common myna is a member of the starling family and is spelt with or without an h. The bird has always been known to live in and around human habitation.
“Mynas are tree nesting (holes in trees) birds and the central part of Bangalore, has lost lot of old trees which were used by mynas for nesting,” says Dr. Vasanth Joshi, who lives in Jayanagar.
“Like the sparrows, the Indian robins and the tits, the mynas are also disappearing from the city. Urbanization and increased population of pigeons are also other causes. However a detailed study is needed to determine specific causes.”
Krishna M.B., ornithologist and bird lover, says: “They are declining in Bangalore! And that sounds like a death knell for the presence of little birds in the city.”
The myna is an accomplished scavenger, and feeds on almost anything, from insects, fruits and vegetables, to kitchen scraps. Mynas mate for life so are regarded as symbols of undying love. Myna is also sometimes used as a term of endearment.
During the breeding season there is usually considerable competition for nesting sites. In rural areas, the myna is called the farmer’s friend because it eats insects that destroy crops. The name myna comes from a Hindi word, maina meaning a bird of the starling family.
While Avin Deen, India representative, World Parrot Trust says,
“Far from declining mynas are thriving. Common Indian mynas are plenty in Lal Bagh. I do not know whether this pugnacious bird was more common earlier.”
However, the Bird Count India Consortium says the bird is the most reported bird in India, with the common myna making up for 1.8 per cent of the records.
