Jan Rothe
Javan Myna - the most common bird in Singapore? (Acridotheres javanicus)
Javan Mynas have been introduced to Singapore most likely in the 1920s, as it has been introduced to many other countries outside its original distribution in Java and Bali. They are now definitely the most audible birds in the city parts of Singapore and they might be the most common birds on the island, at least they were in 2000 and 2001, when a mid-year bird count found them at the number one position. In 2023, it remained at #1 for the annual bird census in March, but the mid-year as well as the fall bird census found more Asian glossy starlings. During my visit I definitely saw more Mynas than starlings, but that is of course a very personal impression and nothing to rely on. The Javan Mynas are not very afraid of humans and they are very well-organized, looking for food in groups with one member being on the watch at all times, so they can flee threats very effectively. They nest in holes, which the Metropolitan Rail Transport of Singapore provides plenty of - you can see these Mynas fly in and out of the pillars quite often. (Heise Fotografie Picture of the Day 2024-04-03)
Javan Myna - the most common bird in Singapore? (Acridotheres javanicus)
Javan Mynas have been introduced to Singapore most likely in the 1920s, as it has been introduced to many other countries outside its original distribution in Java and Bali. They are now definitely the most audible birds in the city parts of Singapore and they might be the most common birds on the island, at least they were in 2000 and 2001, when a mid-year bird count found them at the number one position. In 2023, it remained at #1 for the annual bird census in March, but the mid-year as well as the fall bird census found more Asian glossy starlings. During my visit I definitely saw more Mynas than starlings, but that is of course a very personal impression and nothing to rely on. The Javan Mynas are not very afraid of humans and they are very well-organized, looking for food in groups with one member being on the watch at all times, so they can flee threats very effectively. They nest in holes, which the Metropolitan Rail Transport of Singapore provides plenty of - you can see these Mynas fly in and out of the pillars quite often. (Heise Fotografie Picture of the Day 2024-04-03)