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Javan Mynas in battle

on 20th November 2018

Javan Mynas (Acridotheres javanicus) are gregarious and noisy. They are also quarrelsome, often involving in noisy fights when the noise level increases exponentially. It is common to encounter such noisy fights in our urban areas LINK, that usually attract curious onlookers.

Two pairs in a fight with a juvenile in attendance – video grab.

Gan Cheong Weei’s video clip documented five individuals involved in a fierce fight. There were two pairs of mynas actually fighting. The fifth myna was probably a recently fledged juvenile accompanying one of the pairs. This juvenile was mainly a spectator, following the fight by not joining in.

The two pairs fought a fierce fight, flying low as well as rolling on the ground. The aggressor would grab its opponent’s feet with its “talons” and forced the bird to the ground. This allowed the aggressor to rain its sharp bill from a position of advantage. The victim on the ground would try hard to reverse the situation.

Two birds against one with a juvenile looking on – video grab.

When one of the pairs flew off in defeat, it was a fight of two against one. Obviously the single myna was at a disadvantage and flew off at the first opportunity. The victors with the juvenile in tow flew off in pursuit.

Gan Cheong Weei
Singapore
5th November 2018

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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