Are Mynah Birds Aggressive?

Are mynah birds aggressive?

Absolutely not. These clever, opportunistic omnivores and expert scavengers will feed on anything that comes their way – small mammals, reptiles, lizards, insects, eggs, grains, fruit and human food waste. They have been known to consume small mammals such as reptiles and lizards as well as reptile eggs grains fruit waste etc..

They have also been known to evict native bird species from their nests, killing them and discarding their eggs and chicks. These birds have been classified as invasive pests in Australia and have had a detrimental effect on the country’s biodiversity.

Mynah birds have a reputation of being aggressive towards humans, however they actually make great pets and bonds with people easily. If you own one of these birds, keep it in a cage and give it lots of attention; this will help the bird become familiar with you and learn to trust you.

Mynah birds develop attachments with those who give them the most care, making them less likely to attack other animals or humans.

Mynah birds are highly vocal, often imitating human speech with their screaming, wail, gurgle and whistle.

They possess great intelligence, often being observed evicting other animals from their burrows or nests.

Mynas are notorious for competing for nesting sites during their breeding season, often placing their nests in tree hollows or inside buildings’ roofs. This poses a major problem for native species which rely heavily on cavities in trees for survival.

The IUCN has listed the common myna as one of the world’s worst invasive species. It spreads diseases and parasites such as avian malaria that could potentially drive many native birds to extinction.

Mynas are a major agricultural pest, wreaking havoc on ripening fruit such as grapes and blueberries. In Hawaii they have even been known to carry exotic parasites like Ornithonyssus bursia mite which can lead to human dermatitis.

They can harm ripening cereal crops and other plants near homes and farms, creating a nuisance for those who live nearby.

Their territorial habits erode the habitats of many native bird species, such as parrots and kookaburras, thus decreasing their reproductive success.

A reduction in the population of these birds will have an adverse effect on other native birds and wildlife in general.

Mynas will consume a wide range of foods, such as seeds and grains to fruits and vegetables. They are adept at scavenging for edible items like worms, insects, dead animals and bird eggs or fledglings.

During their breeding season, these birds will defend their territory with fierce aggression. In some areas, this aggression has been known to drive native species from nest holes in trees or even kill their chicks.

Animals can be controlled with poison, cage traps or bird scaring devices.

Mynahs are very adaptable to people and their activities, yet still vulnerable to predators such as crows and mongooses that prey upon other birds. Additionally, they are highly susceptible to parasites so it is essential that you give them a bath regularly. Furthermore, Mynahs require fresh air so ensure your house has adequate ventilation for adequate care.