Vinous-breasted Myna

Least Concern

Acridotheres leucocephalus

A social songbird known for its distinctive light head, chestnut chest and black eye-mask, this Asian native has established thriving populations across Southeast Asia's towns and farmlands.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Vinous-breasted Myna is characterised by its distinctive dark eye mask, which sharply contrasts with its light, almost white head and chestnut brown body.

Its wings and tail are dark brownish-black, while the underparts show a rich vinous-brown colouration. The bird has bright orange-yellow legs and a yellow bill.

Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal plumage changes. Juveniles have a duller overall appearance, with a brownish head instead of white.

Size

Length

23cm to 25cm

Wingspan

40cm to 45cm

Weight

80g to 110g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown White

Secondary Colour

Black

Beak Colour

Yellow

Leg Colour

Yellow Orange

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Vinous-breasted Mynas are native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southern China. They inhabit a range of lowland habitats, from open woodlands to cultivated areas.

These birds show a preference for human-modified landscapes, thriving in urban parks, gardens, and agricultural areas. They are non-migratory and maintain their territories year-round.

These birds have been successfully introduced to Singapore and Israel, which is expanding well around Tel Aviv.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,500 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Vinous-breasted Myna and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 55
Adaptability 85
Aggressiveness 60
Endurance 70

Diet

The Vinous-breasted Myna has an omnivorous diet. It feeds on a variety of insects, including grasshoppers and beetles, as well as fruits and berries.

These birds are often seen foraging on the ground, probing the soil with their bills to find invertebrates.

Behaviour

Vinous-breasted Mynas are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They have a confident, strutting gait when foraging on the ground.

These birds are known for their adaptability to human-modified environments, frequently seen perching on buildings or foraging in urban parks.

Vocalisation

Vinous-breasted Mynas are known for their varied vocalisations. Their calls include a series of whistles, chirps, and warbles. A common call is a loud, harsh 'kree-kree' often given in flight or when alarmed.

They are also skilled mimics, capable of imitating other bird species and even human-made sounds.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding typically occurs from March to August. Vinous-breasted Mynas form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting sites each year.

Nests are built in tree cavities, building crevices, or nest boxes, using a variety of materials, including grass, leaves, and small twigs. Females lay 3-5 pale blue eggs per clutch.

Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 13-14 days. Chicks fledge after approximately 22-24 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 8 - 12 years
0
4
7
11
14

years

The Vinous-breasted Myna typically lives for 8 to 12 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, the Vinous-breasted Myna faces localised threats from habitat loss due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion.

In some areas, it has benefited from human-modified landscapes, adapting well to urban and suburban environments.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but fairly common locally [2]

Global Population Trend

Increasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for them in open areas near human habitation, including parks and agricultural lands.
  • Listen for their distinctive calls, which can help locate them in dense vegetation.
  • Observe their behaviour around fruiting trees, where they often gather to feed.
  • Watch for their characteristic walking gait when foraging on the ground.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Burmese Myna, Vinous-breasted Starling

Family:

Sturnidae

Predators

Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as domestic cats in urban areas. Nest predators may include snakes and larger arboreal mammals.

Did You Know?

  1. Vinous-breasted Mynas are excellent mimics, capable of imitating a wide range of sounds in their environment.
  2. These birds play a role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain forest ecosystems.
  3. Despite their name, they are more closely related to starlings than to true mynas.

Was this bird profile helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our content

Community Experience

Community Ratings

No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!

Ease of Spotting
0.0/5
Visual Appeal
0.0/5
Song Recognition
0.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Sign in to be the first to review

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Acridotheres leucocephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T103870738A263915527.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 1998: Feare and Craig