Common Myna (Acridotheres Tristis) Stock Image

The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), sometimes spelled Mynah, also sometimes known as Indian Myna, is a member of the family Sturnidae (starlings and mynas) native to Asia. An omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct, the Myna has adapted extremely well to urban environments. The Common Myna is an important motif in Indian culture and appears both in Sanskrit and Prakrit literature. Myna is derived from the Hindi language mainā which itself is derived from Sanskrit madanā. The range of the Common Myna is increasing at such a rapid rate that in 2000 the IUCN Species Survival Commission declared it one of the world's most invasive species and one of only three birds in the top 100 species that pose an impact to biodiversity, agriculture and human interests. In particular, the species poses a serious threat to the ecosystems of Australia where it was named The Most Important Pest/Problem.