Our feathered neighbours:
Southeast Queensland is home to a diverse array of birds, each with their own unique story. The Noisy Miner, a native nectar-feeder, and the Indian Myna, an introduced species, often share the same space, leading to complex interactions.
More than just colour:
While both birds are roughly the same size, their appearances differ greatly. The Noisy Miner sports a predominantly grey plumage, while the Indian Myna stands out with its chocolate-brown body and black head. Both species are known for their assertive nature, with the Noisy Miner fiercely defending its nectar sources and the Indian Myna competing for nesting sites.
A guest with unintended consequences:
The Indian Myna, originally introduced to combat pests in Melbourne and then in North Queensland, has become a cause for concern. Released in the late 19th century, it has established itself in many urban areas. Its fondness for fruit and seedlings makes it a nuisance to farmers and gardeners, and its aggressive behaviour can displace native birds. The Indian Myna is not a restricted invasive animal under the Queensland Biosecurity Act, but is identified as a priority species in its biosecurity plan.
A closer look at their habits:
Indian Mynas are opportunistic feeders, enjoying a varied diet of insects, fruits, scraps, and even other birds’ young. They thrive near human settlements, often roosting in large groups in buildings, bridges, and trees during the non-breeding season. Indian Mynas threaten native biodiversity with their territorial behaviour. They compete with native animals for nesting hollows, aggressively defending their territory. They are also thought to evict native species, such as parrots and gliders, from their hollows and even kill their young.
Family life with a twist:
These birds mate for life and compete fiercely for nesting sites, often favouring convenient locations in buildings, much to the chagrin of humans. Their messy nests, built with leaves, grasses, and even rubbish, can cause problems.
Controlling the population:
A delicate balance: While the Indian Myna is considered a pest in some areas, its population control is a complex issue. The RSPCA advises against community-led culling and suggests focusing on improving natural habitats to promote bird diversity. However, if control is necessary, it should be conducted humanely and under government supervision, with careful monitoring of its impact.
Under the Biosecurity Act all Queenslanders have a general biosecurity obligation to manage Indian mynas on their land. You can report Indian myna bird sightings using MynaScan.
Understanding our feathered neighbours:
By learning about the Indian Myna and its interactions with native species, we can make informed decisions about managing its population and fostering a harmonious environment for all birds in Southeast Queensland.