Myna Bird in Hawaii

The myna bird, also known as the Indian myna or common myna, is a species of starling that is native to Asia and the eastern parts of Europe. However, the myna bird has also made its way to Hawaii, where it has become a significant invasive species.

The myna bird was first introduced to Hawaii in the late 1800s as a means of controlling insect pests in sugarcane fields. The birds were brought over from India and were initially successful in controlling the pests, leading to further introductions in the early 1900s. However, as the population of myna birds grew, they began to cause problems of their own.

The myna bird quickly adapted to the environment in Hawaii and began to outcompete native bird species for food and nesting sites. They also began to damage crops and gardens, and their loud calls and aggressive behavior made them a nuisance to residents. The birds also spread disease to native bird populations and were known to attack and kill other bird species, including endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers.

Efforts to control the myna bird population began in the 1970s, with the use of trapping and poisoning methods. However, these efforts were not successful in reducing the population, and the myna bird continues to be a significant problem in Hawaii today. In recent years, new methods such as the use of birth control and the introduction of predators have been tried, with some success.

Despite these efforts, the myna bird remains a significant invasive species in Hawaii, causing damage to the environment and native bird populations. The bird is considered a pest by the state and continues to be a target for control and management efforts.