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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Sharp black-and-white patterning with glossy black head, mantle, and a distinct black collar contrasting with white face, underparts, and wing patches.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and ants, as well as earthworms. Also consumes fruit, berries, grains, and seeds, and will opportunistically take human food scraps. Often feeds by walking on the ground, probing soft soil or gleaning from low vegetation. Associates with livestock to catch flushed invertebrates and visits orchards for fallen fruit.
Preferred Environment
Open farmland, rice paddies, irrigation margins, pastures, and village greens. Forages along wet edges of ponds and ditches and in lightly wooded areas with scattered perches. Readily uses urban parks and gardens where open turf and trees are available.
