Bali Myna |
Bali Myna | Interesting Facts About The Endangered Bird
The Bali Myna is a beautiful bird species and this bird was discovered in 1910 and was named as the faunal symbol of Bali island in 1991. This bird is found as the only native bird species on the island of Bali and the Bali Myna is featured on the Indonesian 200 rupee coin. The local name of this magnificent bird is Jalak Bali. Bali Myna likes to eat sweet food and is very fond of figs, papayas and nectar.
Bali Myna is a small, beautiful looking bird species found on the island of Bali. Apart from this, Bali Myna is also known by many names including Rothschild's Myna, Bali Myna and Bali Starling. This bird species is critically endangered and less than 100 birds were seen in the wild in 2018.
The locals of the island honor this endangered bird species by marking it on the local currency (Indonesian 200 rupiah coin) and they also affectionately call this bird species Jalak Bali. Conservation of this bird species is consciously supported through a variety of public and private sanctuaries (such as Bali Barat National Park). There are also laws to prevent illegal hunting and sale of Bali Mynah by private individuals.
Where Are Bali Myna Found
Bali Myna is found in Indonesia and these birds live in the forests of mountainous regions. The natural range of the population of these birds is endemic to the island of Bali. This bird is a critically endangered population. Moreover, it is present in the wild with less than 100 birds and 1000 in bird sanctuaries. The population of these birds is very low. The Indonesian government and private environmental associations are constantly making efforts to save the population of this bird.
In addition, illegal hunting and sale by private people has been banned. Bali Mynas are daily but very secretive bird architecture. These birds are inconspicuous in their natural habitat. These birds use the rarest place of trees for their shelter and these birds appear on the ground only to drink or to restore the content of the ecosystem.
These birds mostly gather in small communities and at night they gather in small community roosts of 6 birds. Apart from this, these birds communicate with a variety of cretaceous chattering sounds and a prominent voice. When these birds get worried, they make chick, chick, chick sounds.
Scientific Name Of Bali Myna
The scientific name of Bali Myna is Leucopsar rothschildi and this bird can be seen on the island of Bali among palaces, bird sanctuaries and on Indonesian coins of 200 rupees.
In addition, this bird belongs to the bread order Passeriformes and is therefore also called passerine. This is the largest order in the species of birds in which more than 50% of the birds found in the forest population are Sha Kamil. Apart from this, the order of artists born sweetly is also the same.
This bird has special and clear characteristics as the national symbol of Bali island, they are also called perching bread. These birds actually have perch-friendly foot movements that include three forward and one backward, because their preferred perch-friendly foot travel is easier.
Habitat Of Bali Myna
The habitat of these birds is hilly and these birds live in forests, savannas and coconut groves around the island of Bali. These birds are diurnal in nature which means they are more active during the day and sleep at night. These birds gather in flocks of 6 to 20 and are found in their groups for protection from predators. They even search for food from the ground with their flock family.
These magnificent birds breed in the Bali island during the rainy season when their food is available in abundance. Bali Mynas are native to the island of Bali in Indonesia and they inhabit dry forests, shrublands, trees and palm savannas. When the savanna woodlands get flooded, these birds also live in coconut groves near villages.
Bali Mynas live in groups of 6-20 starlings and each group of them is called a flock. These birds stay together all the time to protect themselves from any harm and when they need to collect food, they also land together on the ground.
How Do Bali Myna Look Like
Bali Mynahs are small to medium-sized birds with thick bodies and white feathers. Bali Mynah has black tips on their wings and tail, with lace on their heads. These birds have a yellow beak, gray legs and extremely attractive black eyes.
Apart from this, bright blue color is also found on the legs of these birds. This beautiful bird is considered an endemic bird which means that the geographical location range of this bird is limited to one place i.e. Bali Island. Apart from this, this bird is also a critically endangered and in the IUCN Red List. Read- Lyrebird | This Bird Mimic The Sounds Of Animals
Bali Myna |
Size And Weight Of Bali Myna
The length of the Bali Myna is about 9 to 10 inches i.e. 24-25 cm and Bali Mynas are considered small to medium sized birds weighing about 70-115 grams.
What Do Bali Myna Eat
These birds feed on ants, insects, caterpillars, dragonflies, grasshoppers, fruits, seeds and worms. These birds prefer to sit on trees away from the eyes of predators. When these birds need to gather food they come down in flocks and quickly go back to the safety of their trees.
Bali Myna Nests
The breeding season of these magnificent birds coincides with the rainy season on the island of Bali. At this time the male bird registers his interest by raising his beak towards the sky. This bird then follows with vocal chirps and whistles as he wanders around looking for a mate. The males also display their feathers like a peacock to attract a mate during breeding season.
A female bird responds to this visual display and approaches the male bird, caresses his neck and basks in affection. The pair remains committed and together for at least the rest of the season. Also, the males can be very territorial and aggressive when they perceive threats or interference from other males.
Once they are paired during the breeding season, these birds use materials such as leaves, grass and twigs to build their nests. Bali Mynas also use their feathers to cover and protect their nests and eggs. Once the nest is ready, a female Bali Myna can lay two to three eggs in her nest. In these birds, both the male and female are responsible for the care of their babies and the nest.
Both the male and female work together to protect the nest and their eggs from predators during the incubation period. Both the male and female also gather food together and feed and tend to their young until the babies are old enough to get food on their own. The babies mostly leave the nest between 15 and 24 days but are still dependent on the parents for food for a few weeks after.
How Long Do Bali Myna Live
Bali Mynas can live for at least 5 years in their natural habitat in the wild. Apart from this, Bali Myna birds can live up to 15 years in good conditions in the zoo.
How Fast Can Bali Myna Fly
These birds are apparently strong and direct fliers with an impressive wingspan of 9 to 22 inches. Apart from this, it is this male bird which teaches young children to fly.
How Do Bali Myna Communicate
Bali Mynas are singing birds and are known for their melodious voice. Therefore, Bali Mynas communicate with each other through a variety of fun calls and tweets. During the breeding season, the male birds make loud whistle-like sounds to attract the female bird.
When these birds face danger or predators, these birds make sounds using a distinct 'tchik' sound to warn the rest of their flock. Apart from this, Bali Myna can be taught to mimic human words or talking which makes them popular among humans.
How Many Bali Myna Are There In The World
Experts have estimated that the population of Bali Myna in the wild is less than 100 birds. There are less than 1000 birds in the sanctuaries of Bali and these low numbers are due to poaching and habitat loss. Individual birds in the wild also have a small home range which is endemic to Bali. Despite these challenges, efforts are on to save the population of Bali Myna.
Apart from this, efforts are also being made by the government of Indonesia to consciously protect and breed captive birds. It is seen in the Bali Myna Barat National Park, West Bali National Park and bird sanctuaries in Nusa Penida Island, Melinggih Kelod and Sibang in Indonesia. Bali birds are critically endangered and the wild population has been very close to extinction since 1994. Read- Indri Lemur Interesting Facts And Information With Picture
Bali Myna |
Bali Myna Behavior
Bali Mynas are sociable birds and the species is estimated to be less than 100 in the wild population and critically endangered due to predators. Hence Bali Mynas are naturally wary of strangers and stay with their flock in the trees. There are about 1000 captive birds consciously cared for in various bird sanctuaries on the island of Bali and it is an endangered bird species so keeping Bali Myna as a pet is not an option.
Bali Myna Facts For Kids
1. What are some interesting facts about Mynah?
Mynah is a bird species with strong legs. These birds have a strong and direct flight and are sociable. The preferred habitat of these birds is wide open country. They eat insects and fruits and their plumage is mostly dark brown but some species have yellow ornaments on their heads.
2. What is Bali Myna?
The Bali Myna is part of the Sturnidae family which the bird shares with other mynas and starlings. These birds are also known as Bali Starlings and were once called 'Rothschild's Grackle'. Bali Mynas can be seen on the Indonesian island of Bali and this species is the official bird of Bali.
3. What is Bali Myna?
Bali Mynah is omnivorous and their diet consists of seeds, fruit, small reptiles and insects such as caterpillars, ants, grasshoppers and dragonflies.
4. How many Bali Mynahs are there?
There are only about 100 of these birds left at present and many factors contribute to the decline of this bird species including increasing tourism on the island of Bali and loss of habitat of these birds, illegal pet trade and poaching.
5. How big is a Bali Myna?
The Bali Myna is about 9.8 inches long and is almost entirely white in color, with a long, hanging crest, black wing-parts and tail tip. It has a yellow bill and blue skin around the eyes and feet.
6. Where does the Bali Myna live?
The Bali Myna can be seen on the Indonesian island of Bali and its coastal islands.
7. What is the national bird of Bali?
The Bali Myna is the national symbol and this bird species is considered as the official bird of the island of Bali.
8. What are the benefits of Mynah bird?
Bali Mynahs are known to mimic human speech and other sounds. This bird is famous as a popular pet in many parts of the world.
9. What are the characteristics of Bali Myna?
These birds are easily recognized by their white feathers. These birds have black spots, hanging crests and bright blue faces. Apart from this, Bali Mynas live in the same pair and mostly make nests in holes in trees.
10. How long do Bali Mynas live?
If Bali Mynas are in their natural habitat in the wild, they can live for at least 5 years. Apart from this, under good conditions in the zoo, Bali Myna birds can live up to 15 years.