Indian Myna Control Handbook - BRRVLN
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Indian Myna
Control
Handbook
1
CONTENTS THE INDIAN MYNA
CONTROL PROJECT
The Indian Myna Control Project 1
The Problem with Indian Mynas 2 Indian Mynas were introduced into
Australia in the 1860s in an attempt to
Behaviour and Habits 3
control insect pests in market gardens
Identification 4 around Melbourne.
Managing the Invasion 7 This booklet will help you:
The species is widespread in South and
Trapping Program 8 Southeast Asia and is now established in
> Identify the Indian Myna.
Trapping Procedures 9 most of Eastern Australia. There have also > Understand the behaviour and
habits of Indian Mynas.
been recent sightings in Darwin, Perth
Trapping and Handling 11 and Adelaide. > Stop the invasion in your backyard.
Euthanasing Procedures 12 Indian Mynas have become a huge problem > Use PeeGee Myna traps.
Handling Native Birds 13 in cities and urban centres where they have > Ensure humane handling of
captured birds.
been able to effectively adapt to a range
Reporting and Monitoring 15 of conditions and feeding options. Equally, > Monitor and report bird feeding
Contacts 17 they appear in large numbers in rural areas and roost sites.
causing nuisance through noise disturbance Your key volunteer or program
and contamination of stock feed. They often coordinator can help identify
congregate near cattle farms and dairies trapping sites, train volunteers to
WANT TO where feedlots are readily accessible. Stables use the traps and organise the
humane disposal of captured
KNOW MORE and yards with poultry coops are also prime
? Indian Mynas.
Border Ranges scavenging areas.
and Find out more at:
Richmond Valle In addition to being a nuisance in these
y Landcare www.feralscan.org.au/mynascan
Network: 02 66 landscapes, they nest in tree hollows and or email feralscan@feralscan.org.au
32 3722
www,brrvln.or will often occupy and aggressively defend for further information.
g.au multiple hollows, preventing other wildlife If you would like to report numbers
from using them. This presents a serious of Indian Mynas or roost locations
threat to our native species that rely on contact your local Area Coordinator
these hollows for breeding. The Indian or Indian Myna Control Group.
Edited for Border Ranges and Richmond Valley Landcare Network Indian Myna control Myna Control Project provides education, For more information on the
project by Mark Ambrose. coordination, support and traps to local Indian Myna Control Project
Based on “Indian Myna Handbook” by Alana Parkins further amended by Laura and communities in northern NSW to help in your local area refer to the
Kevin Noble. combat the Indian Myna Bird invasion. “Contacts” section at the back
of this handbook.
Produced with funding from North Coast Local Land Services
11
Myna’s seasonal behaviour Rural areas
BEHAVIOUR and HABITS
They form pairs for breeding from Mynas prefer open woodland and
September to March and move to grassland to forested areas. They
THE PROBLEM WITH suitable nesting sites, such as tree particularly favour open grazing
hollows, building cavities and exotic country and freshly slashed or
INDIAN MYNAS palms. Mynas are prolific breeders ploughed fields. Mynas follow major
and can raise multiple clutches of roads and arterial routes to spread
Indian Mynas are messy birds and nest in tree hollows, palms and under roofs 4-6 chicks each year. The fledgling into new areas, especially in places
in sheds and houses. They evict animals and birds from nests and attack chicks period lasts for 20-30 days and when where the natural landscape has
the juveniles are ready to fly they been modified.
of other species. They like to breed in tree hollows and will often make additional
travel in small family groups. Indian Mynas live with and off
nests in nearby hollows preventing any other wildlife from using them.
They leave their hollows unusable by other wildlife. This is of particular concern, From Autumn the Mynas join up and humans. They thrive in areas of
move to communal roosts where human settlement, often occupying
as tree hollows have become an increasingly limited resource for many native
there can be large numbers of birds. disturbed habitats.
animals. Efforts to supplement natural hollows with nest boxes have resulted in
During the day they spread out in Indian Mynas are attracted to animal
many being taken over by Mynas, thereby excluding native species. small groups to find food. feed, especially horse, goat and pig
Come September, the Mynas again feed, chicken pellets, and fruit. They
Indian Mynas are an aggressive, highly The Mynas scavenge for food scraps
pair up and prepare to nest and will also feed on animal manure.
invasive species. They are opportunistic near fast food outlets, picnic areas and
breed and the cycle starts again. Mynas will nest in out - buildings,
feeders and eat almost anything. rubbish bins. They will also take pet
house roofs, nest boxes and tree
In cities and regional centres Mynas food and bird seed from backyards in Hundreds of Mynas can roost in a hollows in paddocks and on the
congregate in areas where food residential areas. single tree or building, especially edge of bushland. Shooting can
sources are regularly available, usually near a regular food source like a
In rural areas they eat stock feed, grain, scare them off but they will return if
near schools, shopping centres, parks horse stable or poultry farm.
pellets and compost. They foul on the food is available.
and sports fields.
backs of livestock and contaminate Indian Mynas are not migratory birds;
Mynas can often be seen feed bins and leave an unsightly mess however resident populations display
Residential areas
on power lines and in open in sheds, stables and anywhere they some local movement. They have Mynas are well adapted to urban
grassy areas where they nest or roost. been observed regularly moving areas where feeding sites are
hunt for insects and worms. Indian Mynas often congregate in between roost sites and foraging plentiful. They are often seen resting
large numbers in roost trees, making grounds, with additional seasonal on power lines, prowling schools
a loud chattering noise and leaving movement between habitats. grounds, picnic areas and sports
droppings everywhere. Apart from the fields for food scraps. They nest in
reduced aesthetics, clean-up costs can gaps in city buildings, petrol stations,
be quite significant. air conditioners, and in house roofs
and gutters. In backyard gardens
Mynas can also impact human health,
Mynas invade nest boxes and
as they are carriers of bird mite and
displace native birds and animals.
may harbour avian diseases such as
They feed on nectar and seed put
psittacosis and salmonellosis.
out to attract native birds and
Mynas are well adapted to Australian particularly favour left-over pet food.
Mynas in the Clarence Valley. conditions and breed very quickly.
Exotic trees forming a typical Indian Myna roost site.
2 31
IDENTIFICATION
INTRODUCED PEST PROTECTED NATIVE
Indian or Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala)
Black head and neck
Yellow beak and eye patch
Yellow beak and eye patch
Brown body
Grey body
White wing patches
(visible in flight
Pale grey breast &
white belly
Flesh coloured legs
Orange tinge
near wing edge
> In flight, white wing patches are > Indian Mynas are predominantly > The Noisy Miner is mainly a honeyeater > Noisy Miners are a protected native
clearly visible under their wings. brown with a black head and neck. with a much more limited diet. It species, and must be released if
forages for nectar and small insects. captured.
> Both birds have yellow beaks and a > Mynas spend much of their time
yellow patch around their eyes. > Apart from the physical similarities, > The Noisy Miner also breeds rapidly,
foraging on the ground, where they can
both birds appear to share common forming family groups which move
often be observed moving about with
> The key difference between the two behavioural traits which can lead to around in search of food. They can
birds is that the Indian Myna has a a distinctive ‘strutting gait’. The Noisy exhibit territorial behaviour, chirping
incorrect identification.
brown coloured body, whilst the Noisy Miner is more at home in trees and boisterously and working together to
Miner is mottled grey and white. shrubs but when on the ground it hops. chase other birds away.
4 1 5
The Indian Myna MANAGING THE INVASION
belongs to the Starling
Trapping alone will not keep the Indian Mynas under control.
family; a group which
Mynas thrive where there is easy access to food. You can
includes the Common
reduce their available food source in the following ways:
Starling another
invasive species.
> Leaving out seed and other food for or leftover pellets or grain. Also bag
native birds will attract Indian Mynas manure around stables and cover
and they can quickly dominate your compost heaps.
garden. Mynas will totally exclude
> Mynas nest in tree hollows, roofs,
all other birds and in the long term
exotic trees and the dead fronds of
you may be left with a garden full of
palms. You can reduce their available
Indian Mynas. If you see Mynas at your
nest site in the following ways:
bird feeder or in your garden the best
outcome for native birds is to cease > You can reduce nesting opportunities
distributing feed. by blocking any holes in roofs and eaves.
> Planting a wide range of local native > Keep palms well trimmed. Avoid
plant species in your garden will planting clumps of exotic species such
provide a diversity of habitats for native as Cocos Palm (Cocos plumosa), Slash
birds. Indian Mynas prefer foraging Pine (Pinus elliotii), Radiata Pine (Pinus
in areas with a clear understorey. radiata) and Umbrella Tree (Schefflera
Gardens with a reduced lawn area actinophylla), as these are all preferred
containing a mixture of native trees, Indian Myna roosting tree sand are
shrubs and herbs, especially with a best avoided.
Planting a wide dense understorey, will attract a variety
of bird life without providing a suitable Bird mite infestations can cause
range of local native habitat for Mynas. severe itching and rashes - if you
plants in your > Feed pets inside, or if that is not
have a Myna nest in your roof,
garden will provide gutters, a backyard tree or a bird box
possible, put pet food inside during
daylight hours. in your garden, you should destroy
a diverse habitat for it before the eggs hatch. Put all
native birds. > Ensure chicken and duck pens are contents of the nest in a garbage
Myna proof. Feed poultry inside a bag in your garbage bin and clean
secured area. the nesting area up thoroughly.
> When feeding goats or horses, it is Always wear gloves when handling
best to stay with the animals while Indian Mynas and their nests.
they are feeding and clean up spilled
6 71
TRAPPING PROGRAM TRAPPING PROCEDURES
A Guide to using the PeeGee’s Indian Myna Trap
Trapping is an effective method of culling
Indian Myna numbers, limit population One-way Walk in Tunnels
expansions and reduce the threat to Indian Mynas walk about > No bird, whether pest or native, is the Indian Mynas they can probably
our native birds and other hollow using looking for food. Myna traps to be treated cruelly or subjected to see you. If Indian Mynas see you
animals. have walk-in one-way tunnels harsh conditions: please observe the handling the trap, particularly once
giving access to a containment requirements of the NSW Prevention you have a trapped bird, they will
Trapping require humane treatment and
chamber. Most traps have two of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. When avoid the trap.
careful handling of all captured birds in
and dual chambers, whilst some particiapting in a trapping program,
line with animal welfare protocols. > Only set up the trap when you are able
experimental traps are circular you are required to sign an animal
to check it at least daily. Ensure that
or have multiple tunnels. welfare protocol agreement.
PeeGee’s Myna Trap the trap is stored away safely at any
> Indian Mynas are very intelligent and time that it is not in use, as this will
There are several traps designed to wary birds. For your trapping to be prevent accidental trapping of non-
exploit Myna behaviour. One example successful you will need to be patient target animals. This will also reduce
is the PeeGee’s Myna Trap, a double- and persistent and follow the steps of the chance of vermin eating your bait.
chambered wire trap which is suitable trapping process.
for use in backyards and gardens. It is the > If you trap any native species, you must
most commonly used and has proved > Ensure that the birds you are aiming release them as soon as possible.
to be successful in Indian Myna trapping Vertical Funnel to trap are Indian Mynas and not
> Traps on loan should not be modified
programs across the eastern states. native Noisy Miners. Noisy Miners are
Within the PeeGee design, once or changed in any way.
protected by law and it is illegal to
Talk to your local Project Coordinator inside the entrance chamber, trap them. > Provide shade, food and fresh water in
for information on borrowing a trap. the Mynas will go up the vertical the larger chamber (holding chamber)
If you would like to build your own trap, funnel into the holding chamber > This trap is intended to catch Indian
at all times for captured birds.
visit www.brrln.org.au/indian-myna- from which there is very little Mynas where they are known to come
control for more information and a link chance of escape. down onto the ground and feed. > If Ibis are around the trap put it away
to a step by step instructions on their If you have not yet had these birds until they have not been seen for a
construction. feeding on the ground at your site, few days.
trapping with PeeGee’s trap is less
likely to be successful.
Ensure that the birds > Keep pets and children away from the
trap as Indian Mynas are extremely
you are aiming to trap
wary birds and are sensitive to
are Indian Mynas disturbance. Pets may also eat the bait
and not native intended for the birds.
Noisy Miners! > Do not approach the trap during
daylight hours. Even if you can’t see
8 91
TRAPPING PROCEDURES TRAPPING and HANDLING
Trapping Process Step 4 - ‘Free-feed’ the birds.
To maximise trapping results please complete each step before moving to This is done to teach the Mynas that this is a safe and regular source of food. Place
the next. Duration of trapping can vary widely from site to site and can take a flat white plate or plastic container lid at your site and keep this topped up with
anywhere from a few days to a several weeks. bait. Avoid going near the plate when there are Mynas around. 0ther birds, such as
Magpies and Pee Wees, may steal some bait, but do not chase them away as Indian
Step 1 - Get your bait. Mynas will learn to eat from the plate by watching these less wary birds. Make sure
you see the Mynas eating the bait before moving to the next step.
You need to use suitable bait. The most attractive bait seems to be ‘Lucky Dog
Minis - Minced Beef, Vegetable and Pasta Flavour’. Yellow/orange coloured snacks
Step 5 - Place trap next to the plate.
such as Cheezels and Twisties (or equivalent cheaper brands) also seem to work
well! Do not use grain-based foods (birdseed and bread etc.) as this attracts non- By placing the trap near the plate of food for a day or so. The Mynas will perceive the
target birds such as crested pigeons and parrots. trap as being a harmless object.
Step 2 - Choose a spot to trap. Step 6 - Bait the trap.
Take away the ‘free-feeding’ plate and place a white plate inside the smaller (entrance)
This should be a site that you have seen the Indian Mynas come down on to the
chamber of the trap. Put a handful of bait on the plate. Ensure the birds can see the
ground. If possible, the site should be flat and open with short grass, however
feed in the entrance chamber from the tunnel, but will not be able to reach it until
trappers have had success trapping in various other settings including on the roof
they have entered the trap. Additionally, put a small amount of bait inside the tunnel
of carports, or on verandas. Keep children and pets away from the trap.
entrances to attract the Mynas. Ensure that only small amounts of bait are used in
the tunnel as excess bait may deter them from fully entering the trap.
Step 3 - Restrict access to food.
Make sure that any food the Mynas have been accessing at your place (scraps, Caller birds
pet food, chicken feed etc.) is no longer available to them. Hungry birds are more Trapped Indian Mynas are often used as callers to attract other Mynas down to the
likely to be lured into your trap. If the birds are feeding at a neighbours’, it is ground, where the bait should lure them into the trap. Caller birds must be cared
recommended approaching them and asking if they would mind restricting for in accordance with the NSW Industries & Investment SOP for Trapping Pest Birds
available food for the time you are trapping. (BIR002). Your local coordinator can give you more details.
Rural or semi rural alternatives Once you have trapped Indian Mynas
From this point there are two alternative trapping If Mynas are to be gassed it is preferable to use a trap designed for easy transfer
methods generally used. For rural or semi rural (see photo pg. 12) The birds can be transferred to the smaller transfer cage
areas free feeding appears to encourage more by connecting the holding chamber and transfer cage, with door openings
natives around your trap. So for these areas we aligned. Birds can then be coaxed from the chamber to the cage, without
suggest you go directly to Step 6. However where the need for direct handling. A towel should be placed over the transfer
there are lots of Mynas and only a few native birds cage to keep birds calm during transportation. It is preferable that Mynas be
then perhaps you should try Step 4 and 5 first. euthanased off-site.
10 11 1
EUTHANASING PROCEDURES HANDLING NATIVE BIRDS
The aim of euthanasia is to dispose of the Mynas in a way that eliminates Whilst traps and baits are intended specifically to target Indian Mynas,
or minimises the stress experienced prior to becoming unconscious. some native birds may also be caught.
Trap operators must be willing to accept that humane killing of trapped
birds is an important responsibility. Your field oficer or program In the past, it has been observed that a box in a dark and quiet place to allow
some of the most common non-target them to recover.
coordinator can assist you to arrange for Mynas to be humanely
native species trapped are Pee Wees
euthanased. The preferred options for euthanasing Indian Mynas are: Do not attempt to force food or water to
(Grallina cyanoleuca) and Satin Bower
an injured or stressed bird.
birds (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus).
Cervical dislocation Injection of a barbiturate If these birds are common in your area, Trappers in the past have also
try setting the trap with a live Myna encountered juvenile natives such as
This method is commonly referred to This is least preferred of the three
(caller) in the cage. This will help to deter Crimson Rosella chicks, which have
as “breaking the neck” but would more recommended methods, as it requires
native birds, whilst attracting other been evicted from their nest hollows
accurately be described as “snapping the expertise of a qualified vet. If using
Indian Mynas to the trap. Your local by Indian Mynas. If chicks are still alive,
the spine.” The goal is to quickly this option please make your own coordinator can also advise on other carefully place them in a cardboard
separate the spinal cord from the brain arrangements with the vet. ways to minimise trapping native birds. box lined with leaf litter or cloth and
to provide a fast and painless death
Disposal Ensure the trap’s holding chamber
place the box in a dark, quiet spot.
Immediately contact your nearest
Inhalation of carbon dioxide (C02) Wrap dead Mynas in newspaper and contains plenty of food and clean water
wildlife rescue organisation for further
place them in your household garbage for all trapped birds. If you find a native
Euthanasia of Mynas by carbon dioxide care instructions.
bin or place them in your compost. bird in the trap, open the door provided
(C02) must be arranged beforehand to release it. Do not handle native Refer to the “Contacts” list in the back of
with your coordinator or other support birds unless they are injured. If they are the Handbook for your nearest wildlife
service. The birds are best delivered for dehydrated or lethargic, keep them in rescue or animal welfare organisation.
gassing in the transfer cage provided
with your gassing trap. Please cover cage
during transfer.
This cage will be placed in a container
and the Mynas are put to sleep with a
small dose of C02. The container is sealed
for a few minutes to retain the gas and
the Mynas die quickly without stress.
The NSW Department of Primary
Industries does not consider it humane
to euthanase birds with exhaust gas
from a car. This can vary in other states,
so it is best to check your local rules. The Mynas are placed in a plastic container and put
to sleep with CO2 gas. Photo: Andrew Mercer,
12 13 1
REPORTING AND MONITORING
Reporting and monitoring of Indian Mynas enables tracking and
mapping of where the birds are and helps us gather information on
where to trap and the effectiveness of trapping.
The online MynaScan
www.feralscan.org.au/mynascan/ is the preferred method of recording
Indian Mynas in NSW. It is easy to use and ensures records get to the
organisations that deal with their control.
MynaScan is a free community People can also use the website to
website developed to help community access resources, connect to local
members, pest controllers and groups, and upload images for accurate
biosecurity groups to document record keeping.
sightings and the damage that myna
MynaScan can notify local groups
birds cause.
The Native Noisy about nesting sites or myna bird
Anyone can use MynaScan to record hotspots, and can be used to alert
Miners serve as observations, upload photos, and authorities about detections of myna
“sentries”. They have develop a detailed map of myna bird birds in new areas, such as rural towns.
activity in their local area. It is managed by the NSW Department
a distinctive alarm of Primary Industries and Centre for
MynaScan is part of the FeralScan
call indicating danger, community program, and it is easy to
Invasive Species Solutions.
which prompts other use. Information entered by people can Find out more at:
be used to help coordinate control efforts www.feralscan.org.au/mynascan or
birds to leave the area. with local communities, or help identify email feralscan@feralscan.org.au
areas where myna control is a priority. for further information.
14 15
CONTACTS
For assistance with Indian Myna Control
Border Ranges—Richmond Valley Landcare
Telephone: 6632 3722
REPORTING AND MONITORING Email: landcare.support@brrvln.org.au
Web: www.brrvln.org.au
Clarence Valley Conservation in Action
Telephone: 6649 4712
Email: mynas@cvcia.org.au
Reporting Monitoring Web: www.cvcia.org.au
Roost Sites Volunteers can keep track of a Lismore City Council
Report site locations, the type of tree particular population by doing Telephone: 1300 87 83 87
regular Myna counts at roost sites Email: council@lismore.nsw.gov.au
or building the Mynas are occupying Web: www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/
and estimate the size of the colony. The and observing details on aspects
roost site will be mapped and where such as communal behaviour and Richmond Valley Shire Council
possible monitored. In some areas, flock movements. Speak to your field Telephone: 6660 0300
strategic shooting programs to control officer or local program coordinator
about being an active volunteer in the Richmond Landcare
Indian Mynas at their nesting and roost Email: info@richmondlandcare.org
sites have been implemented. Contact reporting and monitoring process.
Web: www.richmondlandcare.org
your local program coordinator for more Web: www.graniteborderslandcare.com.au
information.
Tweed Shire Council
Feeding sites Telephone: 6670 2278
Email: indianmyna@tweed.nsw.gov.au
Report location, number of Mynas seen Web: www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/IndianMyna
regularly and preferred food source.
Wildlife Rescue Groups
Trapping Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers
Feedback from anyone trapping 02 6628 1866
Indian Mynas is extremely valuable in WiRES
getting the bigger picture, achieving 1300 097373
a coordinated approach and best
outcomes. Please contact your field Other links
officer with your monthly tallies, and Birds in Backyards - www.birdsinbackyards.net
Canberra Indian Myna Action Group - www.indianmynaaction.org.au
for more information on data recording MynaScan - www.feralscan.org.au
procedures. Any trapping issues or
unusual Indian Myna behaviour should
also be reported. Photo credits
Thank you:
• Laura Noble for the photo of the Native Noisy Miner on page 14.
• Bevan Pugh for the photo of the Indian Mynas in traps on page 16.
• Pam Kenway and Kevin Noble for the others.
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