The Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis, is a myna, a member of the starling family. This bird is a common resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from Afghanistan to India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Indian Myna.
This abundant passerine is typically found in open woodland, cultivation and around habitation. The Common Myna builds a nest in hole in a tree or wall. The normal clutch is 4-6 eggs.
These 25 cm long birds have brown body and wing plumage, with large white wing patches obvious in flight. The head and throat are dark grey. The bill, bare skin around the eyes and strong legs are bright yellow. The sexes are similar. Mynas mate for life. They strut in walking, hopping usually only to jump up or down. Their songs include croaks, squawks, chirps, clicks and whistles and they often fluff their feathers and bob their heads in singing. They screech warnings to their mates or other birds in cases of predators in proximity.
Like most starlings, the Common Myna is omnivorous.
Reference
Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6
In ancient Greece, the mynah was kept among the aristocracy as a pet, and in India, the mynah has been considered sacred for more than 2,000 years, and during a feast day, individual birds were carted through the city by oxen.
Many mynah owners complain that it is difficult to find the perfect ready-built cage, since most cages are constructed with a parrot in mind and are taller than they are wide.
Mynahs take short naps during the day but will sleep throughout the night, with heads tucked between their shoulders, facing straight ahead and eyes closed.
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