NATURE NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 120, 16 November 1929, Page 17

NATURE NOTES

THE MYNA

AN INTRODUCED INDIAN BIRO

(By E. IT. D. Stidolph, 1t.A.0.1T.) ' The myna (inina or urinah), an In. dian bird introduced into New Zealand, attracts attention where it is found, and several correspondents have inquired as to the identity of this bird,, which has puzzled them. It is a-fair-sized bird of stout proportions, its most conspicuous feature when in, flight being a largo white spot on each, wing. In general colour the. my na -is brown, with a black head. .The bright yellow of the bill and ear-patches is conspicuous. Although at one time tho niyna was found around Wellington, and the Hutt, it appears to have disappeared entirely from that portion of the North Island, so much so that it is doubtful if it j s found south of Palmerston North on the west side of the island. On tho eastern side, howover, it is found in tho "Wairarapa, the nearest locality to Wellington being Featherston. It occurs sparingly in other towns, of the "Wairarapa, notably Greytown, Carterton, and Masterton, and is occasionally seen in country districts.' In other . parts of the island,however, the myna is decidedly more common, such as in the Wanganni and Taranaki districts. There it is probably as numerous in the country as ia the towns. Although there is no excuse whatever for the wrong appelation being applied, the starling is frequently miscalled the myna in some parts of the Dominion. The starling, as is well' known, is an English, bird which was liberated in New Zealand many years ago and is now extremely abundant In most districts suitable to its' habits. It is vastly different from the myna, being smaller and ofS a glossyblack colour, with numerous: small white spots in the breeding season.

A feeling akin to sadness overcomes' a bird-lover on visiting a former heav-ily-wooded district at the present timeof the year, such as the Waimarino country. Now, on all hands, canbs heard the harsh, coarse notes of many, broods of young starlings, which have been reared in the hollows of the "stark' skeletons of former, forest giants, with which the district abounds. There are many miles of country in the middle of the island in' which all that is left of the wealth of forest growth which formerly existed is countless dead trees. In the days of their glory these magnificent forests were th« home of large numbers of. native birds of many species—crows, tuis, bellbirds, parrakeets, kakas, pigeonß, kiwig^ wekas, and many others.- Every living' vestige of this native flora and fauna has disappeared from thousands of acres, and the dead trees which" stand like tombstones, but only temporarily, to a glorious heritage which has passed away, now provide secure nesting sites for • the starling, which ■ has populated - the_ district largely in place of the native species. The only native birds found in this class of country now ar« the harrier and the -ground lark or pipit, both of which have benefited by; the clearing of the forest and as a con* sequence have increased their, range; In addition to. the starling, other introduced species are aiso" founds but they are poor recompense for the beautiful native birds which have disappeared. Large portions of this district, however, are in a transition stage, and doubtless in the future one or two native birds will again inhabit the happy hunting grounds of their: forbears. When the land is sufficiently cleared of the encumbering -logs and dead trees, no doubt farmers will provide shelter trees of some kind, sni in these and in the trees planted around the homesteads such native birds as the fantail, grey warbler, and white eya will be found. Of course, in areas of bush remaining in the district many; native species ar.e still found.

The myna is a typical representative, of an Oriental genus characterised by the long curling plumes in the region. nostrils and forehead, the,long pointed feathers of.the crown, anft ±he>presence of a large patch of bare. skin, behind and below each eye.. This Mid inhabits the ■whole of India and Home of the neighbouring countries, and is • for the most.part.a ground bird.. It breeds in hollow trees, hedges, holes in banks, andon buildings. The. eggs sir* exceedingly glossy arid oi' r varying: shades of blue in colour. Usually four or five are laid in a clutch. The riesi; is an untidy and bulky affair. The myna has a variety of notes, some of an agreeable nature, but others* raost unmusical. According to the. Hon. G. M. Thomson, the myna ,was first introduced into, New Zealand about .187.0/ and the following year the birds "were breeding in Dunedin, Christchufch, and Nelson. Large numbers were liberated in later years in the South Island, and alsp in the "Wellington district. The birds, however, have almost entirely disappeared from the districts in which they were .liberated, although 'they bred there for a number of years and. increased in numbers. In the South Island it has npt been'seen in vast areas for over thirty, years—it lingers in one Nelson locality, at least-r-and . from mo£t of the southern of." the North Island it has also disappeared. • However, the myna is numerous ia Taranaki and parts of Hawkes Bay;The fact stands clear that the birds have deserted the colder portions, of the country and taken up their resii dence in warmer districts. It has been.' stated that their disappearance was due to the increase in'starlings; but these birds are' .now. very - ■ common throughout New Zealand, and the myna apparently thrives in its Company in Taranaii arid' Hawkes Bay. Moreover, it appears to. be gradually; extending its range northwards: into, warmer districts. The inference front, the bird's movements is that it de« sires a climate more in keeping ..with that' of its native home, India. . It: would not be surprising, in the conrse> of the next twenty or thirty years, if the' myna populates the: North Auckland district. It certainly seems-to be leaving the Wellington district!

Tuis are at present to be seen ia gardens in Masterton, one or two birds even venturing into the heart of th» town in suitable localities. Many residents have shown keen interest in this bird's appearance, which is heralded with delight. Certain flowering, shrubs and trees appear to be.the attraction for the birds, which have just finished a joyous and bounteous feasfcof kowhai nectar. The- tui appears tobe holding its own, if not actually increasing in numbers, in the Wellington^ district. Almost every patch of bush contains two or three pairs, and there are many others distributed among the plantations and gardens. ■ In most case? it retires to the shelter of native bush for breeding.purposes, although it oeca* sionally builds its nest in •an intro* duped tree. There is no reason why; this beautiful native bird should - nofcJompletely re-establish itself in other districts, with the. increase, in shelter and.f 9od provided by additional -planting operations by thq State and individuals. ■■-■-: ;

The Sunday School anniversary gerviceg will be observed in the Lyall Bay Baptist Church nest Sunday. The children should provide great pleasure. There trill be a choir of 150 voices trained by Mr. A. Hogan. The preachers for the three ser« rices (]1 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.)i ar# Pastor G. Carpenter, and the Revs. jOI<J§ [and Bafcis. . " ! !