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Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis

Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.

First year: 1983

Extirpated year:

Established status: Species are present but not confirmed to be breeding. Population persists only with repeated introductions and/or escapes of individuals.

Estimated Florida range: 8 counties At least 10 years, 6 counties Less than 10 years

Statewide trend: Unknown status

Threats to natives: Nests in tree or cavity nests in communal groups, competing with native species. Mynas sometimes attack Purple Martins at martin houses (Florida BBA). This species seems to spread aggressively and can be serious pests of crops and orchards. It also serves as reservoirs or sources of bird malaria (Florida BBA). Because of their history of establishment and negative ecological impacts, mynas (Acridotheres spp.) have been prohibited from importation into the United States (Bates and Busenbark 1970).

Species Account: The Common Myna is native to southeastern Asia but has been introduced onto almost every tropical or subtropical oceanic island and Australia, where it is mostly found in open country and human environments. In Florida, populations remain small and widely scattered and tend to prefer shopping mall parking lots (Florida BBA). Mynas are omnivorous and feed on fruits, seeds, insects, and human food (Long 1981). They nest in tree cavities, buildings, crowns of palms, large signs, and broken lights (Long 1981, Florida BBA).

Habitats: Central or core urban area, Low density suburban development, areas peripheral to core urban areas, and small towns, Agricultural habitat

County	First Year	Extirpated Year	Breeding status	Notes
Brevard	1980's		At least 10 years	Cocoa Beach (Florida BBA 1986-91)
Broward	1983		At least 10 years	(B. Pranty, 2001 unpublished data)
Collier	1988		At least 10 years	(Florida BBA 1986-91)
Dade	1980's		At least 10 years
Hendry	1988		At least 10 years	Clewiston (Florida BBA 1986-91)
Lee	1993		Less than 10 years
Martin	1988		Not reported breeding	near Indiantown (Florida BBA 1986-91)
Monroe	1997		Less than 10 years
Palm Beach	1980's		At least 10 years	near Jupiter (Florida BBA 1986-91)
Saint Lucie	1997		Less than 10 years	(Pranty 1997a)
Seminole	1983		At least 10 years	(B. Pranty, 2001 unpublished data)
Volusia	1983		At least 10 years	(B. Pranty, 2001 unpublished data)

References

Long, J.L. 1981. Introduced Birds of the world. A.H.& A.R. Reed, Ltd. Sydney Australia

Pranty, B. 1994b. Field observations [spring report: March-May 1994]. Florida Field Naturalist 22:118-126.

Pranty, B. 1997a. Field observations [spring report: March to May 1997]. Florida Field Naturalist 25:148-158.

Pranty, B. 1998a. Field observations [spring report: March to May 1998]. Florida Field Naturalist 26:128-137.

Pranty, B. 2001a. Field observations [summer report: June-July 2000]. Florida Field Naturalist 29:33-40.

Robertson, W. B., and G. E. Woolfenden. 1992. Florida bird species: an annotated list. Florida Ornithological Society, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Stevenson, H. M., and B. H. Anderson. 1994. The birdlife of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

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