Species Profile
Vinous-breasted Myna
Acridotheres leucocephalus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
8–12 years
Length
23–25 cm
Weight
80–110 g
Wingspan
40–45 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Burmese Myna, Vinous-breasted Starling
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Appearance
The Vinous-breasted Myna is characterised by its distinctive dark eye mask, which sharply contrasts with its light, almost white head and chestnut brown body.
Its wings and tail are dark brownish-black, while the underparts show a rich vinous-brown colouration. The bird has bright orange-yellow legs and a yellow bill.
Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal plumage changes. Juveniles have a duller overall appearance, with a brownish head instead of white.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Yellow
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Vinous-breasted Mynas are native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southern China. They inhabit a range of lowland habitats, from open woodlands to cultivated areas.
These birds show a preference for human-modified landscapes, thriving in urban parks, gardens, and agricultural areas. They are non-migratory and maintain their territories year-round.
These birds have been successfully introduced to Singapore and Israel, which is expanding well around Tel Aviv.
Distribution
Diet
The Vinous-breasted Myna has an omnivorous diet. It feeds on a variety of insects, including grasshoppers and beetles, as well as fruits and berries.
These birds are often seen foraging on the ground, probing the soil with their bills to find invertebrates.
Behaviour
Vinous-breasted Mynas are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They have a confident, strutting gait when foraging on the ground.
These birds are known for their adaptability to human-modified environments, frequently seen perching on buildings or foraging in urban parks.
Calls & Sounds
Vinous-breasted Mynas are known for their varied vocalisations. Their calls include a series of whistles, chirps, and warbles. A common call is a loud, harsh 'kree-kree' often given in flight or when alarmed.
They are also skilled mimics, capable of imitating other bird species and even human-made sounds.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding typically occurs from March to August. Vinous-breasted Mynas form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting sites each year.
Nests are built in tree cavities, building crevices, or nest boxes, using a variety of materials, including grass, leaves, and small twigs. Females lay 3-5 pale blue eggs per clutch.
Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 13-14 days. Chicks fledge after approximately 22-24 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, the Vinous-breasted Myna faces localised threats from habitat loss due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion.
In some areas, it has benefited from human-modified landscapes, adapting well to urban and suburban environments.
Elevation
Up to 1,500 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as domestic cats in urban areas. Nest predators may include snakes and larger arboreal mammals.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in open areas near human habitation, including parks and agricultural lands.
- Listen for their distinctive calls, which can help locate them in dense vegetation.
- Observe their behaviour around fruiting trees, where they often gather to feed.
- Watch for their characteristic walking gait when foraging on the ground.
Did You Know?
- Vinous-breasted Mynas are excellent mimics, capable of imitating a wide range of sounds in their environment.
- These birds play a role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain forest ecosystems.
- Despite their name, they are more closely related to starlings than to true mynas.
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