Why are Myna Birds a
problem?
The Common or Indian Myna,
identified by its yellow beak and eye patch, and brown body, is an introduced
pest bird and their population is spreading rapidly. The International Union
for the Conservation of Nature has ranked the Myna amongst the world’s 100 most
invasive pest species.
They are territorial and highly
aggressive birds who compete with and displace native wildlife for habitat
areas. They take over tree hollows and plug up nest sites they are not using,
forcing possums and birds out and ejecting nestlings and eggs from their nests.
They also compete with native fauna for food and habitat.
It is important to distinguish the pest Indian Myna from the
common Noisy Miner. Indian Mynas are predominantly brown with a black head. In
flight, white wing patches are clearly visible. Noisy Miners are native birds
that are predominantly grey. They are protected and must be released if
trapped.
What is Council
doing?
Lane Cove Council is conducting
a program to eradicate the Indian Mynas from the Lane Cove Plaza. This program
consists of trapping the birds in a specifically designed Myna bird trap. After
being trapped the birds are humanely euthanised. Any non target species (native
birds) are released without harm from the trap. In addition Council is working
with the business owners as well as plaza attendants to ensure that the area is
kept clean and that potential food sources are removed. Please assist us by not feeding
any birds in the plaza and ensure all rubbish is disposed of quickly into
appropriate bins.
What can you do to
help?
Don’t leave food scraps or pet
foods outside and ensure that rubbish bins and other potential food sources are
covered. Don’t feed birds in your backyard! Block potential nest sites, such
as holes in roofs or gutters and remove any Myna nests you find in nest boxes or
tree hollows on your property. You should also ensure that you have self
closing doors and flyscreens to prevent Myna birds from entering your house.
Get involved with the Backyard
Habitat program for information on planting local indigenous plants to
encourage native species to your garden. Or get involved with your own trapping
and disposal program, or start a community trapping program.
Community Trapping
Programs
Council has explored many
options for eradicating the Indian Myna population in Lane Cove. The most
effective method in reducing the numbers of Indian Mynas in other areas has
overwhelmingly been community trapping programs, with successful programs
running in many areas including Canberra and on the Central Coast. Lane Cove
Council is encouraging residents to set up a similar program and will be
supporting the development of this through providing information and acting as a
central contact point for the program. If you are interested in conducting your
own trapping program it is important that you follow the trapping instructions, and commit to the
protocol on animal
welfare with regard to trapping and disposal of Myna
birds.
For any further information or enquiries please
contact Council's Environmental Health Officer on 99113626 or email service@lanecove.nsw.gov.au.
