How to identify the Indian Myna

To correctly identify the Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

23-26 cm

Wingspan

37-42 cm

Weight

82-143 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a glossy black head and neck, with a dark brown body. The lower belly and vent are white. The wings are dark brown with prominent white patches on the primaries, visible in flight. The tail is dark brown with white tips on the outer tail feathers.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Strong, pointed, and bright yellow. The base of the lower mandible is often slightly darker.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, surrounded by a distinctive patch of bare yellow skin.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Bright yellow

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of the glossy black head, dark brown body, bright yellow bill and legs, and the prominent yellow bare skin around the eye are key identification features. The large white wing patches are very conspicuous in flight.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage, with a less glossy black head and a paler brown body. The yellow skin around the eye is less vibrant, and the bill and legs are a duller yellow or yellowish-brown.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly duller when worn before molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are monomorphic, meaning they look identical in plumage and size.

Key field marks

• Head and Eye. Look for the glossy black head and the distinctive patch of bare yellow skin around the dark eye.
• Body Plumage. Note the dark brown body contrasting with the black head and white lower belly/vent.
• Bill and Legs. Observe the bright yellow bill and legs, which are very conspicuous.
• Wing Patches. In flight, the large, prominent white patches on the primary feathers are a key identifier.
• Tail. Look for the dark tail with white tips on the outer feathers, often fanned slightly during landing or display.
• Behavior. Their confident, often bold demeanor, ground foraging, and noisy vocalizations are characteristic.

Explore the Indian Myna