Acridotheres ginginianus
The Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus) is a captivating member of the starling family (Sturnidae), renowned for its gregarious nature and striking appearance. Measuring approximately 20-25 cm in length with a wingspan of 30-36 cm, it boasts a sleek, dark grey plumage contrasting sharply with its black head and neck. A defining field mark is the bare, orange-red to bright yellow-orange skin surrounding its eyes, complemented by a vibrant orange-yellow bill and legs. In flight, prominent whit...
Primarily found in open, often cultivated or disturbed landscapes, including agricultural fields, grasslands, parks, and urban/suburban areas. Frequently associated with human habitation and water bodies at lower elevations.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming insects (grasshoppers, beetles, ants, termites) and other invertebrates, as well as grains, fruits, berries, and human food scraps; forages mainly on the ground.
Highly social birds, Bank Mynas are diurnal and spend their days foraging in noisy, active flocks, often seen walking purposefully on the ground. They form large, often spectacular communal roosts at dusk, sometimes numbering in the thousands, preferring trees or reed beds. Foraging strategies ar...
The Bank Myna is a widespread and common resident across the Indian subcontinent, with its primary breeding and year-round range encompassing much of northern and central India, extending westward into eastern Pakistan and eastward through Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Its distribution is genera...
Least Concern
- The Bank Myna gets its name from its distinctive nesting habit of excavating burrows in earthen riverbanks or cliffs. - They are highly social birds, often forming large flocks that can number in the thousands at communal roosting sites. - Unlike many related species, the Bank Myna typically la...