Field Guide

Great Myna

Acridotheres grandis

Aves › Passeriformes › Sturnidae › Acridotheres

Conservation status: least_concern

Great Myna (Acridotheres grandis)
Photo: (c) Mark Clarke, some rights reserved (CC BY), CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist

The great myna, also known as the white-vented myna, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. Its range extends from Sikkim across Northeast India and Indochina.

How To Identify

It is a medium-to-large passerine with predominantly glossy dark plumage, often appearing black or deep slate. Distinctive features include bright yellow or buff accents on the underparts and noticeable markings near the beak.

Habitat

Great Mynas typically inhabit open woodlands, cultivated areas, grasslands, and human settlements across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour

These birds are highly social and gregarious, often seen foraging on the ground in large flocks where they actively search for insects, seeds, and fruits with characteristic hopping movements.

Native Range

The great myna's range extends from Sikkim across Northeast India and Indochina.

Did You Know?

Great Mynas are highly vocal birds known for their loud, harsh calls and impressive ability to mimic other bird species and even mechanical sounds. They often gather in large, noisy flocks that can be heard from considerable distances.

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