Community News

Krystal and Emma are Landcare Field Officers targeting invasive pest species in the Clarence Valley. Image: contributed.

Not nice birds

The Common Indian Myna is an introduced invasive species and is a serious threat to our native wildlife and biodiversity.

There are two newly appointed Landcare Field Officers (LFO) who are currently in the Clarence Valley and they can provide information about these feral pest birds and how to reduce and control their numbers. LFOs are also keen to receive locations of mynas and if you are interested, they may be able to help you in trapping them. This project is supported by North Coast Local Land Services, through funding from the NSW Government.

You can contact Clarence Landcare on 6643 5009 email projects@clarencelandcare.com.au or Laura 0456 472 177. Better still, drop by and visit the Landcare marquee at the Grafton show.

 

Indian Mynas a problem because

· They nest under roofs/in eaves/gutters of buildings/sheds. These nests can be a fire and health hazard.

· Carry varieties of bird mites which can cause rashes, asthma, etc.

· Out-breed our native birds, laying 4-6 chicks and nesting 3 times in one season resulting in 18 possible fledglings per year. Compare that with a native Eastern Rosella which may raise 2-5 chicks per season. · Out-compete our natives for food sources and tree-hollows/nest boxes.

They drive out native animals (marsupials, frogs, birds) killing the young and ejecting parents.

– Extremely aggressive and territorial, attacking and often killing native wildlife.

How to identify Indian Mynas

Mynas are brown with a black head and neck; have a yellow beak and yellow patch around the eyes; they strut rather than hop when on the ground; and when flying, white patches are clearly visible on their wings.

Do not confuse with the Noisy Miner

The Noisy Miner is occasionally mistaken for the Indian Myna as it also has a yellow beak and eye patch. The main differences are the Noisy is a mottled grey and white; usually hops or waddles when on the ground; and when in flight there are no white wing patches. The Noisy Miners are a protected native species.

In the Clarence Valley where Mynas are being trapped by volunteer residents, the numbers of these pests are being controlled. Unfortunately, there are locations in CV where there are no trappers and large numbers of Mynas.

 

Please help maintain the balance for our native wildlife.

STOP FEEDING MYNAS and/or HELP US TRAP THEM

Also, for further information on the Common Indian Myna, please visit www.cvcia.org.au