Indian pied myna or Asian Pied Starling

Indian pied myna or Asian Pied Starling

The Asian Pied Starling, also known as the Pied Myna or Indian Pied Myna (Gracupica contra), is a species of starling found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

What is the Indian pied myna habitat?

The pied starling is a highly adaptable bird that can thrive in a variety of habitats. They are commonly found in both urban and rural areas throughout the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

In urban areas, they are often seen in parks, gardens, open spaces, and around human settlements. They are known to nest in buildings, bridges, and other man-made structures. In rural areas, they inhabit agricultural lands, scrublands, and forest edges.

Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments, ranging from dense forests to highly urbanized areas. However, they prefer habitats with some tree cover and open spaces for foraging. They are particularly attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as fruiting trees, insects, and human food waste.

What is the behavior of Indian pied myna?

The Indian pied myna is a sociable and active bird known for its lively behavior. Here are some key aspects of their behavior:

Social Structure: Pied mynas are often seen in pairs or small groups, though they can also gather in larger flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. They are known to be highly vocal, with individuals communicating through a variety of calls, including whistles, chatters, and squawks.

Foraging: These birds are opportunistic feeders, scavenging for food on the ground, in trees, and even in urban areas. They have a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, seeds, and scraps of human food. They are known to be attracted to fruiting trees and can sometimes be seen in agricultural fields foraging for insects and other invertebrates.

Nesting: Indian pied mynas typically breed during the warmer months. They construct their nests in cavities, often in buildings, trees, or man-made structures. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of twigs, grass, and other plant materials. Both males and females participate in nest building and raising the young.

Territoriality: While they are sociable birds, pied mynas can also be territorial, especially during the breeding season. They may defend their nesting sites and foraging areas from intruders, engaging in displays of aggression and vocalizations to deter rivals.

Adaptability: One of the notable characteristics of pied mynas is their adaptability to various environments. They are commonly found in both urban and rural areas, thriving in habitats ranging from forests and scrublands to parks and gardens. This adaptability has contributed to their success as a species in many parts of their range.

Overall, the Indian pied myna exhibits a combination of social, foraging, nesting, and territorial behaviors that contribute to its success in a wide range of habitats.


The Indian pied myna is found across various countries in the Indian subcontinent. Its range includes:

India: The pied myna is widely distributed throughout India, occurring in both urban and rural areas across the country.

Pakistan: It is also found in parts of Pakistan, particularly in the eastern and northern regions.

Nepal: The pied myna is present in Nepal, where it inhabits various habitats including urban areas, agricultural lands, and forests.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, the pied myna is commonly found in urban and rural areas, often seen in parks, gardens, and around human settlements.

Bhutan: It occurs in Bhutan as well, where it can be found in a range of habitats from lowlands to foothills.

Sri Lanka: While not technically part of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka also hosts populations of Indian pied mynas, particularly in urban areas and around human settlements.

Overall, the Indian pied myna is a widespread species in the Indian subcontinent, inhabiting diverse habitats across multiple countries in the region.


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