Indian myna

Description:

The Myna is a medium-sized chocolate-brown bird, with a yellow beak, eye patch, feet and legs. The head, throat and tail are black, with the tail having white tips and white undertail feathers. The large white patches in the wings are noticeably visible when the bird is in flight. Myna's are very noisy birds and are often found in pairs or small groups where they spend a lot of time on the ground feeding. They are omnivorous and feed mainly on fruits, nectar and insects. Myna's usually roost communally in trees, under bridges and under roof eaves.

Habitat:

A few individuals introduced into Natal multiplied into millions, and are now found over a large portion of eastern South Africa. They are now considered as one of the world's 100 worst alien invasive species (Global Invasive Species Specialist Group) and do not warrant protection. Myna's compete aggressively with many indigenous species, and tend to replace them in areas where Myna populations are well established.

Notes:

Invasive species in SA - its known as a pest. The Indian myna is native to southern and south-eastern Asia and was introduced to South Africa in about 1900.