Siamese pied myna

The Siamese pied myna is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. Its plumage is black and white, with a black collar. It is found in Myanmar and China to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. It previously was considered a subspecies of the pied myna, which has now been split into three species. It can be distinguished from the Indian pied myna and Javan pied myna by more extensive white streaking on its forehead from both and a wider extent of bare red-orange facial skin around the eye compared to G. contra, but much less compared to G. jalla.

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Distribution

Region

Mainland Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Occurs from Myanmar and southern China southward through Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, mainly in lowland and foothill zones. It favors open habitats with scattered trees, wetlands, rice paddies, orchards, and village edges. Frequently found near human settlement, in parks and farmland, and along rivers and marshes. Avoids dense closed-canopy forest but readily uses secondary growth and scrub. Forms flocks outside the breeding season that move locally in response to food and water availability.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size21–23 cm

Wing Span35–40 cm

Male Weight0.09 kg

Female Weight0.08 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The Siamese pied myna is one of three species split from the former pied myna complex, alongside the Indian and Javan pied mynas. It shows more extensive white streaking on the forehead and a broader red-orange bare eye patch than the Indian pied myna, but less than the Javan species. Highly adaptable, it thrives in agricultural landscapes and towns and often associates with grazing livestock to catch flushed insects. Its colonial nesting and noisy social behavior make it conspicuous where it occurs.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with direct, slightly undulating flights

Social Behavior

Often seen in small to large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Nests colonially or in loose groups, using cavities in trees, buildings, or nest boxes, and lines nests with grass and feathers. Typically monogamous with cooperative defense of nest sites; will mob predators near colonies.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocal repertoire includes nasal whistles, chatters, and squeaks with variable, repetitive phrases. Calls are loud and sociable, used to keep contact within flocks and to advertise territory near nest sites.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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