Indian Pied Myna

The Indian pied myna, or Gracupica contra, is a visually striking member of the starling family, Sturnidae. It boasts a contrasting plumage of black and white, with a yellowish bill tipped with a reddish base. The skin around its eye is a distinctive reddish color. The upper body, including the throat and breast, is cloaked in black, while the cheek, lores, wing coverts, and rump are a stark white. Both sexes share similar plumage, but juveniles can be identified by their dark brown replacing the black of adults.

Identification Tips

When observing the Indian pied myna, look for its slow, butterfly-like flight characterized by rounded wings. The subspecies exhibit slight variations in plumage, streaking, and size. Leucistic individuals, though rare, have been noted within the species.

Habitat

This species favors lowland open areas with scattered trees and proximity to water. It is often found near human habitation, frequenting sewage farms and refuse tips.

Distribution

The Indian pied myna is predominantly found on the plains and in the foothills up to 700 meters above sea level. Its range extends from the Gangetic plains in India southward to the Krishna River and eastward to Bangladesh. The species has been expanding its range, establishing populations in Pakistan, Rajkot, and Bombay, and has also been observed in Dubai, UAE.

Behaviour

Typically found in small groups, the Indian pied myna is a ground forager but will perch on trees and buildings. It exhibits a rich repertoire of calls, including whistles, trills, buzzes, clicks, and warbling sounds. Both sexes are known to sing. The myna's diet consists of grains, fruits, insects, earthworms, and molluscs, often foraged from the ground. They display a unique gaping action to dislodge hidden food, facilitated by strong protractor muscles and binocular vision between the parted beak.

Song & Calls

The Indian pied myna produces a variety of liquid notes and has the ability to mimic human voices, which has historically made them popular as cagebirds.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from March to September. Courtship behaviors include calling, feather fluffing, and head bobbing. Nests are dome-shaped structures built in trees or man-made edifices. Clutches typically consist of four to six glossy blue eggs, with incubation starting after the third or fourth egg is laid. Chicks are brooded for two weeks and fledge after three weeks, with the possibility of multiple broods in a season.

Similar Species

While the Indian pied myna is distinctive, it may be confused with other black and white mynas. However, its unique coloration and habitat preferences can aid in correct identification.

Diet and Feeding

The Indian pied myna's diet includes grains, fruits, insects, earthworms, and molluscs. It employs a gaping action to forage, piercing the soil and opening its bill to reveal hidden food.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Indian pied myna as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at present.