Found in mountainous regions of the Indonesian island of Bali. The Bali myna is an important national symbol and is the island’s official bird.
The life of a Bali myna
Bali mynas grow up to 10 inches long and weigh two to four ounces. Their average lifespan is about seven years. Males and females share the same appearance. They are almost completely white except for blue patches around their eyes and black tips on wings and tailfeathers.
Bali mynas are omnivores that eat seeds, fruits, worms, insects and some small reptiles. Though they spend a lot of time in trees, they forage for food on the forest floor.
During mating, males raise their heads to the sky, move their bodies and make a variety of loud sounds. If a female accepts the display, she sidles up to the male and preens his neck. Bali mynas build nests in holes of trees and line them with leaves, dried plant stems and feathers. Females lay two to three eggs at a time. Both parents sit on the eggs until hatching and are very protective of the nesting area.
Predators include larger birds of prey and snakes, as well as rodents, lizards and monkeys that prey on eggs. They are most threatened by unsustainable, illegal poaching. As one of the rarest birds in the world, they are highly valued as illegal pets.
Bali myna conservation
In 2001, their population dropped to just six birds in the wild. With less than 100 adults estimated to live in the wild, Bali mynas remain critically endangered. Their small population is threatened by illegal poaching and habitat destruction.
Bali mynas at the zoo
Located in the Africa area.
