Indian Pied Myna

Identification

The Indian pied myna is a strikingly marked starling with bold black and white plumage. The upper body, throat, and breast are glossy black, while the cheeks, lores, wing coverts, and rump are contrasting white. The bird has a yellowish bill with a reddish base, and distinctive reddish bare skin around the eye. Young birds show dark brown rather than black plumage. The sexes are similar in appearance, and the flight is characteristically slow and butterfly-like on rounded wings.

Range & Habitat

The Indian pied myna is found across the Indian subcontinent, with its main distribution along the Gangetic plains extending south to the Krishna River, across to Bangladesh, and into Nepal. Two subspecies are recognized, with populations also present in Myanmar and southwest China. The species' range has been expanding westward into Pakistan and other parts of India in recent decades, aided by changes in irrigation patterns and possibly by escapes from the caged bird trade.

This myna favors lowland open areas with scattered trees near water, typically found from the plains up to about 700 meters elevation. It frequents areas with human habitation, including sewage farms, refuse tips, grazing lands, and open grasslands where it often forages near cattle. Access to open water is an important feature of suitable habitat.

Behaviour & Diet

Indian pied mynas are usually seen in small groups that call frequently throughout the day, producing a wide repertoire of sounds including whistles, trills, buzzes, clicks, and warbling notes. They forage mainly on the ground but perch readily on trees and buildings. Like other starlings, they employ a characteristic feeding technique, using their strong bill muscles to part grass mats and probe soil, then opening their bill to dislodge hidden prey. They feed on grains, fruit, insects, earthworms, and molluscs.

Both males and females sing. During the breeding season (March to September in India), flock sizes decline as birds pair up. Courtship involves calling, feather fluffing, and head bobbing. Nests are loose dome-shaped structures made of straw, placed in large trees or man-made structures near human habitation. A typical clutch consists of four to six glossy blue eggs, with incubation lasting 14 to 15 days.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Indian pied myna is a year-round resident throughout its range. To observe them, visit open grasslands, fields, and agricultural areas near water sources in the plains and low foothills of the Indian subcontinent. They are often found near human settlements, making them accessible in and around villages and cities. Early morning and late afternoon typically offer the best viewing opportunities when birds are actively foraging on the ground.

Photography Tips

The striking black-and-white plumage of the Indian pied myna makes it a rewarding photographic subject with excellent contrast. Photograph birds as they forage on the ground to capture their characteristic feeding behavior, or focus on perched birds to highlight the distinctive white cheeks and rump against the black body. The reddish bill base and eye-ring provide good focal points for close-up shots. Early morning light will best emphasize the glossy finish of their black plumage and make the white markings pop. Be patient when photographing flocks, as multiple birds calling and interacting provide dynamic compositional opportunities.