Common Myna (also known as the Indian Myna)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Sturnidae, Genus: Acridotheres, Species: A. tristis · Sturnidae (Starlings and Mynas) · Primary flight feathers (Remiges); specifically outer primaries likely P8 and P9 based on the degree of emargination.
Species
Acridotheres tristis
Feather Type
Primary flight feathers (Remiges); specifically outer primaries likely P8 and P9 based on the degree of emargination.
Family
Sturnidae (Starlings and Mynas)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical with a very narrow leading edge (outer vane) and a broad trailing edge (inner vane). The tips are rounded to slightly pointed with distinct emargination on the outer vane for aerodynamic efficiency.
Size
Approximately 10-14 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width. This size is standard for the primary feathers of a medium-sized passerine like a Myna.
Rarity
Very Common. In many parts of its introduced range, it is considered an invasive species and is one of the most frequently observed birds.
Color & Pattern
Dominated by a deep brownish-black to black pigment (eumelanin). The most diagnostic feature is the bold, clean white patch at the base of the barbs, which creates a large white circular 'window' visible on the wing in flight.
Barb Structure
Densely packed, interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane to provide a stiff, wind-resistant surface for flight. The base of the feather shows a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
The surface is smooth and somewhat glossy, especially on the black portions. The vanes are stiff and resilient, providing the necessary rigidity for the downstroke of flight.
Description
The Common Myna is a medium-sized chocolate-brown bird with a black head and a bright yellow patch behind the eye. In flight, its wings reveal large white circular patches (formed by these feathers). It has a confident, strutting walk and is highly vocal with a wide range of squawks and whistles.
Key Features
The most striking diagnostic feature is the intense black color contrasting with a stark, well-defined white base on the inner and outer vanes of the primary feathers.
Habitat
Extremely adaptable; found in open woodlands, agricultural lands, and heavily urbanized areas. They are frequently seen in parks, gardens, and around human habitation where they scavenge for food.
Geographic Range
Native to Southern Asia (from Afghanistan to southwestern China). However, it has been widely introduced and is now established in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and many oceanic islands.
Condition Notes
The feathers appear to be in Good to Excellent condition with very little wear on the tips, suggesting they were likely freshly molted or the bird was in peak health.
Interesting Facts
The Common Myna is known as 'The Farmer's Friend' in its native India because it eats locusts, but it was named one of the World's 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species by the IUCN due to its impact on biodiversity elsewhere.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous scavenger and insectivore. In introduced ranges, it competes aggressively with native cavity-nesting birds for nesting sites, often displacing them.
Similar Species
Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) feathers are very similar but usually show a more brownish-grey base rather than pure black. Magpies have white in the wing but the proportions and shape of the white 'window' are different.