
Not just the Common Myna: Meet the 8 incredible Myna species of India
Some are widespread and adapt easily to urban life, while others are rare, secretive, and found only in remote forests or hill regions.
These birds belong to the starling family and are popularly known for their intelligence. But while the Common Myna may be a daily sight for most people, other species like the Southern Hill Myna or Golden-crested Myna are hidden treasures of India's biodiverse landscapes
Here are the different species of Mynas that are found across India
Collared myna
The Collared Myna is one of the rarest Myna species in India, found mainly in the northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and parts of eastern India.
It has a prominent white collar and bold black feather coverage. This bird prefers forest edges and open wooded areas rather than cities. Because of its small and limited range, it's not commonly seen, making it a treat for birdwatchers lucky enough to spot one. Its populations are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss.
Common myna
This is the most recognized Myna in India, and has adapted incredibly well to urban life. They can be easily spotted everywhere, from city streets and train stations to rural farms and open fields.
With their brown body, yellow eye patches, and loud, chattering calls, they are impossible to ignore. They are smart, social birds often seen in pairs or small groups. Their adaptability makes them one of the most successful bird species in human-dominated landscapes.
Bank myna
Unlike the Common Myna, the Bank Myna has a more specific range, seen mainly in North and East India. True to its name, it's often found near riverbanks, open fields, and village outskirts.
It has a similar body shape to the Common Myna but is paler and has a bare reddish-orange patch around its eyes. These birds nest in colonies, often burrowing into riverbanks or mud walls, and are frequently seen foraging in agricultural areas.
Golden-crested myna
The Golden-crested Myna is an attractive bird that inhabits the forests of Northeast India, particularly in the hill regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. This bird is a visual delight with its shiny black feathers and a bright yellow crest.
It prefers dense forests and is not typically found near human habitation. Unlike the loud Common Myna, the Golden-crested is more delicate and tends to stay in pairs or small groups.
It's considered near-threatened due to habitat loss.
Great myna
The Great Myna, also known as the White-vented Myna, is larger than most other Myna species and can be found in Northeast India and along the Himalayan foothills. It has a black body with a white patch under its tail and an unmistakable yellow beak and legs.
These birds are very vocal and are usually seen in flocks near cultivated areas, forest edges, or open countryside.
Southern hill myna
These beautiful and rare birds are native to the Western Ghats, best known for their rich, melodious calls and ability to copy human speech. Its glossy black body, bright orange bill, and yellow wattles make it easy to identify. It prefers dense forests and is usually found high up in the canopy. Deforestation and illegal bird trade have threatened its numbers, but it remains a cherished sight among people exploring the southern hills.
Common hill myna
The Common Hill Myna is found in the Himalayan region and parts of the Eastern Ghats. It looks similar to the Southern Hill Myna but has slightly different markings. Known for its loud, flute-like calls, this bird is often found in forested areas, particularly near streams and tall trees. It's skilled at mimicking bird cries and highly intelligent. These Mynas are often targeted in the pet trade due to their vocal talents, which have affected their wild populations in some areas.
Jungle myna
The Jungle Myna is spread across the Western and Eastern Ghats, as well as in parts of the Himalayan belt. It's not as common in cities but does well in semi-forested areas, open woodland, and farmlands. The Jungle Myna can be identified by the small tuft of feathers on its forehead and is slightly more reserved than its Common Myna cousin. It's a versatile bird that feeds on insects, fruits, and even human leftovers in rural areas.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Not just the Common Myna: Meet the 8 incredible Myna species of India
Mynas are some of the most familiar birds in India that are often seen hopping along roadsides, squawking from rooftops, or flying in flocks across fields. India is home to several species of Mynas, and each of these has their own habitat, area, and unique traits. Some are widespread and adapt easily to urban life, while others are rare, secretive, and found only in remote forests or hill regions. These birds belong to the starling family and are popularly known for their intelligence. But while the Common Myna may be a daily sight for most people, other species like the Southern Hill Myna or Golden-crested Myna are hidden treasures of India's biodiverse landscapes Here are the different species of Mynas that are found across India Collared myna The Collared Myna is one of the rarest Myna species in India, found mainly in the northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and parts of eastern India. It has a prominent white collar and bold black feather coverage. This bird prefers forest edges and open wooded areas rather than cities. Because of its small and limited range, it's not commonly seen, making it a treat for birdwatchers lucky enough to spot one. Its populations are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss. Common myna This is the most recognized Myna in India, and has adapted incredibly well to urban life. They can be easily spotted everywhere, from city streets and train stations to rural farms and open fields. With their brown body, yellow eye patches, and loud, chattering calls, they are impossible to ignore. They are smart, social birds often seen in pairs or small groups. Their adaptability makes them one of the most successful bird species in human-dominated landscapes. Bank myna Unlike the Common Myna, the Bank Myna has a more specific range, seen mainly in North and East India. True to its name, it's often found near riverbanks, open fields, and village outskirts. It has a similar body shape to the Common Myna but is paler and has a bare reddish-orange patch around its eyes. These birds nest in colonies, often burrowing into riverbanks or mud walls, and are frequently seen foraging in agricultural areas. Golden-crested myna The Golden-crested Myna is an attractive bird that inhabits the forests of Northeast India, particularly in the hill regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. This bird is a visual delight with its shiny black feathers and a bright yellow crest. It prefers dense forests and is not typically found near human habitation. Unlike the loud Common Myna, the Golden-crested is more delicate and tends to stay in pairs or small groups. It's considered near-threatened due to habitat loss. Great myna The Great Myna, also known as the White-vented Myna, is larger than most other Myna species and can be found in Northeast India and along the Himalayan foothills. It has a black body with a white patch under its tail and an unmistakable yellow beak and legs. These birds are very vocal and are usually seen in flocks near cultivated areas, forest edges, or open countryside. Southern hill myna These beautiful and rare birds are native to the Western Ghats, best known for their rich, melodious calls and ability to copy human speech. Its glossy black body, bright orange bill, and yellow wattles make it easy to identify. It prefers dense forests and is usually found high up in the canopy. Deforestation and illegal bird trade have threatened its numbers, but it remains a cherished sight among people exploring the southern hills. Common hill myna The Common Hill Myna is found in the Himalayan region and parts of the Eastern Ghats. It looks similar to the Southern Hill Myna but has slightly different markings. Known for its loud, flute-like calls, this bird is often found in forested areas, particularly near streams and tall trees. It's skilled at mimicking bird cries and highly intelligent. These Mynas are often targeted in the pet trade due to their vocal talents, which have affected their wild populations in some areas. Jungle myna The Jungle Myna is spread across the Western and Eastern Ghats, as well as in parts of the Himalayan belt. It's not as common in cities but does well in semi-forested areas, open woodland, and farmlands. The Jungle Myna can be identified by the small tuft of feathers on its forehead and is slightly more reserved than its Common Myna cousin. It's a versatile bird that feeds on insects, fruits, and even human leftovers in rural areas.


Time of India
28-07-2025
- Time of India
This is the Only State in India Without a National Park…..Can You Believe It?
While there are over a 100 national parks dotted across India, there is one state that has no national park at all. It's a difficult guess but then here's the surprising name and it is Punjab ! Yes, you read that correctly. It is true that whenever we mention India's wildlife diversity, we think of Bengal tigers in Madhya Pradesh, elephants in Jim Corbett, and rhinos in Assam. But considering there are more than 100 national parks and over 550 wildlife sanctuaries in India, Punjab does surprised . So let's find out some crucial reasons behind Punjab not having a national park: Punjab: Granary of India It's a fact that Punjab has extremely fertile land because of which it is also known as the 'Granary of India'. The vast agricultural lands contribute to the country's food production. But it is quite surprising that the state till date has no designated wildlife protection area, Wildlife sanctuaries: However, there are some wildlife sanctuaries in Punjab including: Harike Wildlife Sanctuary, Ferozepur, and Kapurthala districts. It is also a fact that Punjab has one of the lowest percentages of forested areas in the country. Bir Moti Bagh Sanctuary, Patiala These might be relatively small in size but each is beautiful! But these are so small that they can never qualify as a national park. To get the designation of a national park, the sanctuary requires a larger ecosystem and higher levels of protection under India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jennifer Garner: From Farm Girl to Hollywood's Sweetheart Watch More Undo Possible reasons for no National Park Well there are might be several reasons contributing to this: High population Urbanisation Agricultural land, and little undisturbed forest area Industrial development Despite all these, Punjab has managed wetland conservation. Harike here is the best example for this as it is a crucial Ramsar Site attracting thousands of birds every winter. Some of the most spotted birds here include Common Myna, Rock Pigeon, Red-vented Bulbul, and Rose-ringed Parakeet, among others. Well, given the state's agricultural significance and water resources, the state plays an important role in migratory bird routes. There is a strong case for at least one national park to be developed in Punjab. So next time someone asks you about Indian geography, you'll can surprise everyone with your knowledge: India's only state without a national park is Punjab!


Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Delhi: 7,000 bamboo plants, rooftop gardening in 2025 civic greening plan
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) have launched their annual greening drive in which they will plant more than 7,000 bamboo plants and 3.9 million shrubs across the city. NDMC's drive this year also focuses on promoting rooftop gardening and adding more than 4,000 hanging flower baskets across Lutyens Delhi, officials said. LG VK Saxena and chief minister Rekha Gupta at a bamboo plantation drive at Okhla landfill site on June 6. (PTI) MCD standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma on Sunday said that a target of planting 703,298 saplings has been set for the year, which includes 300,000 trees, 400,000 shrubs, and 3,298 bamboo plants. 'Plantation has momentum during the monsoon season and will continue in a phased manner throughout the year,' she added. Sharma said that 66,242 saplings have already been planted across the 12 zones of Delhi. These include 21,493 trees, 41,918 shrubs, and 2,831 bamboo plants. NDMC on Sunday held a special tree plantation at Sardar Patel Marg under the nationwide initiative Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign under which lieutenant governor VK Saxena planted an amaltas (Cassia fistula) sapling . The civic body has set plantation targets of adding 3,000 trees, 3.5 million shrubs, and 3,946 bamboo plants. 'Bamboo plantations are a new addition to the greening drive and it will be used to fill the area between the plot boundaries and footpath,' she added. The bamboo plants will be planted at four selected locations—Akbar Road, Subramanium Bharti Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, and Mandir Marg. Two bamboo species, Golden and Budha Valley, will be planted along boundary walls to act as natural green screens and enhance biodiversity. NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal said that the council will install 4,000 flower hanging baskets made from biodegradable coconut shells. Chahal said that this year's greening plan will promote rooftop gardening in the New Delhi area. 'A campaign will soon be launched to promote rooftop and organic gardening, encouraging citizens to contribute to New Delhi's green footprint from their homes. Our project to sell tulips was hugely successful and we will rope in experts to promote rooftop gardening by providing resources and training,' he said. The council also set up a 'Plant Protection Cell' at Lodhi Garden which is equipped to conduct tree surgeries, termite and pest control, and soil treatments, supported by a dedicated team of one supervisor and four staff members.