Mynah

Scientific Name: Sturnus erythropygius

Origin: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman Mynah is a lively, inquisitive bird. A single bird or a pair can safely he kept in an aviary containing similar types, without aggression. The Andaman Mynah is easy to tame and can he taught to take mealworms from the hand. It is a good exhibition species.

Description:

Size: 20 cm (8 in)

COCK:

Head: white. Breast: white merging into light grey underneath. Back: light grey. Rump: white. Wings: black with a green sheen on outer flights. Tail: black tipped with white. Beak and legs: yellow. Eyes: white.

HEN:

Identical. Difficult to sex by appearance, so observe behavior.

Diet: (Softbill)

Insectile mix, fruit and fresh ants' eggs form the basic diet. Occasional mealworms should be provided, but too many make this bird fat. This specie sometimes picks up and eats a little millet seed. Andaman mynah likes to bathe, so a pool in the aviary is welcomed, and it chatters and calls excitedly as it splashes around.

It can stand extremes of heat and cold, but needs protection from frosty conditions.

Breeding:

Few captive breeding have been recorded for this bird. Plenty of livefood must he provided, if breeding is to be encouraged. Mealworms and fresh ants' eggs should be mixed with soil and sand in a bowl. A piece of freshly dug turf is much enjoyed, turned over so it may be picked at. Plenty of cover and a selection of nest sites are needed.

Mynah Information

• Mynahs are birds that belong to the starling family. Primarily these birds origin in Asia several species of this group of birds are found in various parts of the world like the North America, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
• The birds are of medium sized and are characterized by very strong feet.
• They are mainly found in open country lands and woodlands. Unlike other birds the birds have been able to adapt well with human habitation.
• Most of the birds have dark brown plumage. Some of them even have yellow plumage at the head of the bird.
• The bird generally makes its nest in holes of trees or any cavities. Those which are settled in human habitation build their nests in the spaces like building nooks, behind shutters, or any projecting surfaces and such.
• While breeding the birds form strong bonded pairs. While rearing young ones both the sexes take part.
• The young ones stay up to almost three weeks. They only leave the nest when they are completely fledged.
• The mynahs are highly territorial in nature.