Spot Winged Myna
- Distribution: Found in parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Habitat: Open woodlands, forests, agricultural areas, urban parks.
- Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates.
- Size: Approximately 20-22 cm in length.
Known by several names, including black-winged myna and white-breasted starling, the spot-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is a stunning bird that is native to portions of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia. With black spots on its wings and tail that contrast with its largely white plumage, this medium-sized myna is easily recognized. The bird’s unusual appearance is further enhanced by its characteristic yellow beak and eye patch.
The usual habitats of spot-winged mynas include open forests, agricultural regions, and the vicinity of populated areas. These birds are very adaptive, thriving in a variety of natural and artificial habitats. Being gregarious animals, mynas are frequently observed in couples or small groups, particularly outside of the breeding season.
They eat a variety of foods, including fruits, seeds, insects, and even tiny amphibians or reptiles. They exhibit a variety of feeding behaviors while foraging on the ground and in the trees. The nesting season for spot-winged mynas takes place in the warmer months, and they make their nests in tree holes, cliffs, or buildings. Both parents share the responsibilities of incubation and feeding the chicks when they deposit clutches of three to five eggs.