The golden myna is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. Lesson named this bird after his daughter Anaïs who died when she was eleven years old.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs across the lowland and foothill rainforests of New Guinea, in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian New Guinea. It favors primary evergreen forest but also uses well-wooded secondary growth, riverine forest, and forest edges where fruiting trees are abundant. Birds often move along canopy corridors and visit fig trees, which are key food resources. It generally avoids open country and heavily degraded habitats but may pass through plantations and village groves when fruiting trees are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large, striking starling of New Guinea’s lowland rainforests, the golden myna plays an important role as a seed disperser by consuming fruits and moving between forest patches. It is named by the French naturalist René Lesson after his daughter Anaïs, who died at age eleven. Often conspicuous and noisy around fruiting trees, it can gather in small groups and move widely in search of seasonal foods.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small, loosely knit groups, especially around fruiting trees. It nests in tree cavities typical of many starlings, with both parents likely contributing to care. Territoriality is moderate, with tolerance around abundant food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud whistles, chatters, and harsh notes, often delivered from high perches. Calls can be repetitive and carry over long distances through the canopy.
Plumage
Rich golden-yellow body with contrasting darker flight feathers and tail; sleek, glossy feathering typical of starlings.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruit, especially figs and other soft, pulpy fruits. Will also take berries and drupes from forest trees and lianas. Opportunistically gleans insects and other small invertebrates, particularly when feeding young, but fruit dominates the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy at fruiting trees and along forest edges. Also visits river margins and secondary growth where fruit is seasonally plentiful.
