I was going to do a post each, but there is something interesting about seeing both the Great and Common Myna birds “at the same time” even if it is in pictures take on different days, and getting a sense of how they are similar and different.
Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis).
With the help of AI, I understand:
It’s an introduced species in Hawaii, originally from Asia. They are quite common on the islands, especially in urban and suburban areas.
Here are some key features that help identify it:
- Brown body: Overall brown plumage with a darker head.
- Black head: Notice the black hood extending down to its chest.
- Yellow beak and legs: A bright yellow beak and legs are distinctive.
- White wing patch: A prominent white patch is visible on its wings, especially in flight.
- Yellow eye patch: A small patch of bare yellow skin surrounds its eye.
Common Mynas are known for their adaptability and sometimes bold behavior. They are often seen foraging on the ground and perching on prominent structures.
This is a Great Myna.
The all-black plumage, long spiky crest, and the entirely white undertail are the key giveaways. Also, notice the pale yellow bill and legs, which are a bit lighter than those of the Common Myna.
It seems Great Mynas are becoming more established in Hawaii.
I tried asking AI: What is the difference between a common myna and a great myna bird Show drafts
While both the Common Myna and the Great Myna belong to the starling family, there are some key differences to help you tell them apart:
1. Overall Color:
- Common Myna: Primarily brown with a darker head.
- Great Myna: Jet black overall.
2. Undertail:
- Common Myna: White undertail coverts but with a dark central area.
- Great Myna: Entirely white undertail, creating a stark contrast with its black body.
3. Crest:
- Common Myna: Short and stubby crest.
- Great Myna: Longer, more prominent and spikier crest.
4. Eye Color:
- Common Myna: Dark brown eyes.
- Great Myna: Pale yellow or whitish eyes.
5. Bill and Legs:
- Common Myna: Bright yellow bill and legs.
- Great Myna: Orange-yellow bill and legs.
6. Distribution:
- Common Myna: Widespread and common in many parts of the world, including Hawaii.
- Great Myna: Native to mainland Southeast Asia and parts of China. Less widespread than the Common Myna.
7. Behavior:
- Both are bold and adaptable birds, often found in urban areas. However, Great Mynas are generally considered more aggressive and dominant than Common Mynas.
Here’s a quick visual comparison:
| Feature | Common Myna | Great Myna |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Brown with black head | Jet black |
| Undertail | Partially white | Entirely white |
| Crest | Short and stubby | Long and spiky |
| Eyes | Dark brown | Pale yellow/whitish |
| Bill and Legs | Yellow | Orange-yellow |
I’d love to say all this learning will stick with me as I travel and move forward, but the truth is I don’t think I will… instead I can have this website/journal as a place to refer back to and refresh my memory as time goes on.