The Bali Myna: A Critically Endangered Bird of Indonesia
The Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi), also known as Rothschild’s mynah, Bali starling, or Bali mynah, locally known as jalak Bali, is a medium-sized (up to 25 cm (9.8 in) long), stocky myna, almost wholly white with a long, drooping crest, and black tips on the wings and tail. The bird has blue bare skin around the eyes, greyish legs and a yellow bill. Both sexes are similar. It is critically endangered and in 2020, fewer than 50 adults were assumed to exist in the wild.
The Bali myna is restricted to the island of Bali (and its offshore islands) in Indonesia, 2 where it is the island’s only endemic vertebrate species. In 1991, the bird was designated the faunal emblem of Bali. Featured on the Indonesian 200 rupiah coin, its local name is jalak Bali (Balinese script: ᬚᬮᬓ᭄ᬩᬮᬶ).
The Bali myna feeds mainly on insects, such as ants and termites, caterpillars, dragonflies, and grasshoppers, and fruit, including figs, papayas, and nectar. It forages in flocks, often hanging upside down from branches to reach the fruits It is not very vocal, but occasionally gives cooing whistles and an emphatic tweet.
The Bali myna breeds from April to July, depending on the region. It builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree or a shrub, using grass, moss, lichen, and feathers. It lays four to six eggs, which are pale blue with reddish-brown spots. The female incubates the eggs for about 12 days, while the male feeds her. The chicks are fed by both parents, and fledge after about 15 days.
The Bali myna is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and predation. It has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 19942 Several conservation efforts have been made to save the species, such as captive breeding, reintroduction, and protection of its habitat. The San Diego Zoo and the Waddesdon Aviary are among the institutions that have successfully bred the Bali myna in captivity.
The Bali myna is a remarkable bird that deserves our attention and admiration. It is a symbol of nature’s diversity and beauty, and a source of inspiration and joy for many people. We hope that this article has given you some interesting information and insights about this amazing bird.
