The Bali myna, also known as Rothschild's mynah, Bali starling, or Bali mynah, locally known as jalak Bali, is a medium-sized, stocky myna, almost wholly white with a long, drooping crest, and black tips on the wings and tail. The bird has blue bare skin around the eyes, greyish legs and a brown and yellow bill. Both sexes are similar. It is critically endangered and in 2020, fewer than 50 adults were assumed to exist in the wild.
Region
Bali and nearby islands (Lesser Sunda Islands)
Typical Environment
Historically found in northwestern Bali’s lowland monsoon forests and savanna-like scrub. Today it is largely confined to West Bali National Park and adjacent areas, with reintroduced populations on Nusa Penida and nearby small islands. It favors open woodland, coastal scrub, acacia thickets, and forest edges near clearings. Birds often use tree cavities for nesting and roost in sheltered foliage. Proximity to waterholes and lightly cultivated areas is common.
Altitude Range
0–200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bali myna is Bali’s provincial bird and an icon of Indonesian conservation. Once driven to the brink by trapping for the cage-bird trade, it survives thanks to intensive protection, captive breeding, and reintroductions. Its striking blue bare skin and expressive, drooping white crest are raised during displays. Community-led sanctuaries on nearby islands have created new refuges for the species.
At West Bali National Park, Bali, Indonesia.
At the Waddesdon Aviary
Two juveniles
At Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens, United States
Coin with Bali starling
Dr Jane Goodall releases a Bali starling born and bred at Begawan Foundation's Breeding & Release Centre at Sibang, Bali
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small groups that forage and roost together. Pairs are typically monogamous and nest in natural cavities or nest boxes. Both parents incubate and feed the chicks, and older juveniles may linger near family groups. Territories are defended around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of clear, fluty whistles interspersed with harsh chatters and rasping notes. Calls become more frequent and animated during courtship and when alarmed.
Plumage
Almost entirely white with a long, drooping crest; black tips on wings and tail; smooth, sleek contour feathers.
Diet
Eats insects such as beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars, as well as fruits, berries, and occasional nectar. It will glean from foliage, probe bark, and pick prey from the ground. Opportunistically takes small invertebrates flushed by grazing animals or human activity. During the dry season, fruit and flowers can be important supplements.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, open scrub, savanna-like woodland, and lightly cultivated orchards. Often forages near waterholes, paths, and clearings where insects are abundant.
