Pest Birds

Indian Myna

The Indian Myna, also known as the Common Myna, is an invasive pest bird that has become widespread across much of eastern Australia, including in the Dubbo Regional Local Government Area.

Indian Mynas are aggressive, highly adaptable and well suited to urban environments. They compete directly with native birds for nesting hollows, food and habitat, often displacing smaller native species. Their presence can reduce local biodiversity and impact native wildlife populations.

Indian Mynas are listed as a pest species in NSW, and their management is supported through coordinated, responsible and humane community action.

How to identify an Indian Myna

Indian Mynas are medium‑sized birds with distinctive features, including:

  • Brown body with a black head
  • Bright yellow bare skin around the eyes
  • Yellow beak and legs
  • White patches on the wings that are visible in flight
  • Loud calls and bold, confident behaviour around people

They are often seen in small to large groups around shopping centres, parks, sporting fields, car parks and residential areas.

Indian Mynas are not to be confused with the native Noisy Miners, which are protected Australian birds with grey plumage and different behaviour.

Reduce feeding opportunities in your backyard

Limiting access to food can help reduce Indian Myna numbers and discourage them from settling in residential areas. You can limit access by:

  • Avoid feeding birds, particularly bread or food scraps
  • Secure household rubbish bins with tight‑fitting lids
  • Pick up fallen or uneaten pet food after feeding dogs, cats or poultry
  • Harvest fruit from trees when ripe and remove fallen fruit
  • Reduce access to compost, uncovered BBQ areas and open food sources
  • Block roof cavities or nesting spaces where safe and appropriate

How to report Indian Myna sightings

Community members can help monitor Indian Myna populations by reporting sightings through recognised third‑party platforms, including FeralScan (via the MynaScan module) or other citizen‑science or biodiversity reporting platforms endorsed by environmental agencies.

These platforms collect valuable data that supports regional pest management planning and research.

Dubbo Regional Council does not maintain its own reporting database for Indian Mynas.

Humane bird trapping and euthanasia

Anyone trapping Indian Mynas must ensure that birds are managed humanely at all times. The NSW Department of Primary Industries has established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the trapping and euthanasia of pest birds. Key principles include:

  • Traps must be checked regularly, preferably daily
  • Captured birds must not be left to suffer
  • Any euthanasia must be conducted quickly and humanely
  • Only approved methods may be used
  • Non‑target birds must be released immediately if unharmed

Unacceptable methods such as poisoning, drowning or releasing trapped birds elsewhere should never be used. Council strongly encourages residents to familiarise themselves with the NSW DPI Standard Operating Procedure – Trapping of Pest Birds before undertaking any trapping activity.

Community Groups Undertaking Trapping Programs

The Dubbo Indian Myna Control Program uses sells and distributes traps to manage the invasive species, often with support from Mid Macquarie Landcare.

For details contact the Dubbo Indian Myna Control Program Facebook group or contact Margaret on 0438 821 973.

Building Your Own Myna Trap

Some community members choose to undertake trapping on private property as part of coordinated efforts.

Common Indian Myna traps include walk‑in cage traps and modified Australian Crow traps with entrances adapted for smaller birds. Trap designs must:

  • Allow birds to enter but not escape
  • Provide adequate space, shade, food and water
  • Be checked regularly to minimise stress and injury
  • Avoid harm to non‑target native species

Anyone undertaking trapping is responsible for complying with all relevant animal welfare and biosecurity requirements.

Community Groups and Not-For-Profit Organisations can lodge an application through the Community Services Fund and the Bodangora Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund for Indian Myna traps, for more information visit our dedicated webpage; Grants and Funding.

Further information

For more information about Indian Mynas, humane control methods and animal welfare requirements, visit:

  • NSW Department of Primary Industries
  • Local Land Services NSW
  • RSPCA Australia
  • Indian Myna Action
  • PestSmart Australia

Last Edited: 25 May 2026

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