This bird was introduced in the 1870’s and is now very common in the upper North Island, including off shore islands, inhabiting open country, orchards, suburban gardens, parks, rubbish tips and forest edges.  They roost communally, in some cases over 1000 birds.

The Myna is cinnamon brown with a glossy black head and neck, a white undertail and underwing, yellow legs and bill and a bare patch of skin near the eye.  The call is jangling with a rapid medley of raucous gurgling chattering and bell-like notes.

The diet is a mix of invertebrates and fruit, eggs, chicks and lizards.  Occasionally they inflict damage to grape and fruit crops.

Breeding is between October and March and usually 2 broods a year are raised.  The bulky nest is usually built in the hole of a tree, cliff or building.  The clutch of 3 – 4 greenish-blue eggs is incubated mainly by the female for 14 days.  The chicks are fed by both parents for 20 – 32 days and for about 3 weeks after fledging.

Unwelcome but well established on Tiri.

Photography by: Max McRae ©

References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking.
Moon, G The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds.