The introduced common Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis) lives in large noisy groups. It is often confused with the native noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), as both have a yellow beak and eye patch.
Mynas have yellow feet and chocolate plumage whereas miners have flesh-coloured feet and their plumage is mostly grey.
Both species aggressively compete with native fauna for nesting sites, reducing habitat for native birds. They threaten other birds, often mobbing them in large groups. They evict birds and mammals such as sugar gliders from their tree-hollow nests.
Deterrents
Mynas like tidy lawns, manicured hedges and hard surface areas, so creating a more bushlike native garden will help keep them away. They are attracted to fruit trees, palms and pines. Removing pet food and covering compost bins will deter both mynas and miners.
Attract more native birds by offering water in bird baths, building myna-proof nesting boxes (PDF 443KB) and planting locally native trees and shrubs - the most deterring habitat is dense tree canopies and thick shrubbery.
Getting help
Contact your local bushcare group via your council - both may have strategies in place to deter mynas and will know the best plants to grow. Some councils provide free native seedlings.