Acridotheres tristis
Records: 1259
Drafted by: Faansie Peacock
Draft Text Last Updated: 14 June 2005
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Distribution: Introduced to Durban in 1900 and Johannesburg in the 1930’s (SABAP2:454), the Common Myna has subsequently spread over much of South Africa, and marginally into neighbouring countries. Any attempt to map its distribution is quickly outdated, as they are highly successful, rapid colonizers (contra SABAP2: 454), and show no affinities to a specific habitat. A comparison between the SABAP data and the PCC/BiG Data, clearly shows that in the intervening years, (a time period of little over a decade), Mynas rapidly spread N into the bushveld regions. Indeed, SABAP data indicated that regular occurrence was roughly limited to the area S of 25°30’ in 1992.
Gaps in Knowledge: Long-term data from one site (including suburban gardens) can be used to investigate changes in the ratio of Mynas to other birds over time, which will allow us to identify patterns to predict the effects of this species.
Habitat: Directly associated with human settlements, and only rarely encountered in natural or semi-natural habitats.
Status and movements: Common to abundant resident. 6 Active breeding attempts were recorded, between 12 October and 12 December.
Population: The 18th most commonly recorded species in the PCC/BiG data. Was encountered singly or in flocks of up to 37 birds (R Fieldwick and P Tattersall). May form excessively noisy communal roosts. The population probably exceeds 100 000 birds. One bird was ringed at Buffelsdrift on 22 June 2002.
Conservation: Despite widespread eradication efforts, this species is now well-established throughout the PCC/BiG region. It competes with indigenous species for nest sites, food and other resources. It has been reported to obtain food by following pairs of Karoo Thrushes around until they show signs of interest in a specific patch, upon which they are aggressively displaced, and the food item consumed (S. Byron – pers. comm.). The Karoo Thrush’s predilection for thickets and shady areas however, limits competition with Mynas to some extent. Other species that share the Common Myna’s terrestrial, omnivoric foraging guild and can be influenced by interspecific competition in this regard, include members of the Turdidae and Sturnidae, and to a lesser extent Lapwings, Wagtails and Longclaws. However, main competition with indigenous birds is for nesting holes, and displacement accusastions are probably unjust (SABAP2 : 454). In this regard, Wood-hoopoes, Hoopoes, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Wrynecks and Starlings, and possibly Parrots, Owls, Kingfishers, Rollers, Hornbills and Tits may compete with the Common Myna for nest cavities.