The pale-bellied myna is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is endemic to the southwestern peninsula of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It has been introduced to Tawau, Sabah (Borneo).
Region
Sulawesi and northern Borneo (introduced)
Typical Environment
Occurs naturally in the southwestern peninsula of Sulawesi, favoring lowland open habitats near forest edges, farmland, plantations, and towns. It frequents village gardens, rice fields, and scrubby coastal areas. An introduced population is established around Tawau in Sabah (Borneo), using similar human-modified environments. The species generally avoids dense interior forest but readily occupies mosaics of trees and open ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This starling is endemic to the southwestern peninsula of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and has an introduced population around Tawau in Sabah (Borneo). It is a noisy, sociable myna that often roosts communally and adapts well to human-modified landscapes. Trapping for the cage-bird trade and habitat changes are thought to pressure wild populations. The contrasting pale belly and flashing white wing patch in flight help separate it from darker mynas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, gathering into larger flocks at communal roosts in the evening. Nests in cavities such as tree holes or building crevices, often near human habitation. Pairs are attentive to nest sites and may reuse favored cavities across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied, loud mix of whistles, chatters, and harsh calls, delivered frequently and socially. Like many mynas, it can mimic surrounding sounds and other birds, adding squeaks and mechanical notes to its repertoire.
Plumage
Dark brown to blackish upperparts with pale grey to whitish underparts, giving a distinctly pale belly. Shows a conspicuous white wing patch visible at rest and flashing in flight; tail dark with pale edging. Feathers are sleek and glossy on the head and mantle, with smoother, paler ventral plumage.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore taking insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, along with fruits, berries, and seeds. It will also pick small invertebrates from dung or freshly turned soil and may scavenge food scraps around settlements. Seasonal fruiting trees, especially figs, can attract small flocks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground in open areas, along field margins, and on roadsides, and also gleans in low shrubs and trees. Common in agricultural landscapes, plantations, village parks, and coastal scrub.
