Vinous-breasted Myna
Acridotheres leucocephalus
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Vinous-breasted Myna. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Vinous-breasted Myna demonstrates considerable agility through its varied behaviours, from ground foraging with precise movements to navigating urban environments and tree canopies. Their ability to perform complex aerial manoeuvres whilst avoiding predators shows good flight control.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
For their size (80-110g), these mynas possess moderate strength, sufficient for carrying nesting materials and defending territories. Their ability to probe soil for invertebrates suggests decent muscular capability, though they're not notably powerful compared to similar-sized birds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Exceptionally adaptable birds, thriving in various environments from woodlands to urban areas. Their omnivorous diet, successful colonisation of human-modified landscapes, and ability to utilise different nesting sites demonstrate remarkable adaptability. Their mimicry skills further highlight their adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not overly aggressive, these mynas display territorial behaviour during breeding season and will defend their nests against intruders. Their social nature and tendency to live in groups suggests moderate rather than high aggression levels.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their non-migratory lifestyle and active foraging behaviour throughout the day indicate good endurance. The ability to maintain territories year-round and participate in extended parental care (22-24 days of feeding young) demonstrates solid stamina levels.
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
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?
- Vinous-breasted Mynas are excellent mimics, capable of imitating a wide range of sounds in their environment.
- These birds play a role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain forest ecosystems.
- Despite their name, they are more closely related to starlings than to true mynas.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Acridotheres leucocephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T103870738A263915527.
View source - 2 3
report, 1998: Feare and Craig
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