Birds


	The Indian Myna has extended its range into most of Southeast Asia, and has been introduced elsewhere, including South Africa, North America, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and many Pacific islands. Indian Mynas were introduced into Melbourne's market gardens in the 1860s to keep down insects. It didn't work. Indian Mynas are noisy, territorial and not afraid of humans. They use superior numbers to aggressively take over and defend territory. During breeding season, they seek out nesting hollows which they take over from native birds and animals, after harassing and evicting them. The Indian Myna poses a potential heath risk to humans - from bird mites and faeces dust - due to its habits of closely associating with human activity, for example scavenging at outdoor cafes and eating areas, and domestic patios. *DID YOU KNOW ?* Mynas will kill the chicks of other birds or destroy their eggs, or build their own nests on top and smother them.