If you’ve spent any time on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, you’ve probably noticed black birds everywhere — in parking lots, along roads, in towns, and even near beaches. They walk confidently around people and seem completely at home.
Those birds are Common Mynas, one of the most widespread and noticeable birds on the Big Island.
Originally introduced to Hawaiʻi to help control agricultural pests, Common Mynas now thrive in urban and suburban environments. You’ll often see them strutting across grocery store lots, perching on shopping cart corrals, or calling loudly from rooftops and power lines. Their bold personality, bright yellow eye patch, and loud, chattering calls make them easy to identify once you know what to look for.
Common Myna Overview (Big Island)
Common Mynas are found across the entire Big Island, from coastal towns to inland communities. They are highly adaptable birds and thrive around human activity.
- Common name: Common Myna
- Scientific name: Acridotheres tristis
- Color: Dark brown to black body with yellow eye patches and legs
- Size: Slightly larger than a pigeon
- Status on the Big Island: Introduced and invasive
Why Are Common Mynas Everywhere on the Big Island?
Common Mynas were introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1800s to help control agricultural pests. Instead, they adapted extremely well to urban and rural environments and spread rapidly.
On the Big Island, they benefit from:
- Open trash and food sources
- Towns and parking lots
- Farms and agricultural areas
- Warm temperatures year-round
They are bold, intelligent, and not easily scared away.
Why Do They Hang Around People and Parking Lots?
Common Mynas are opportunistic feeders. They eat insects, fruit, scraps, and almost anything edible they can find.
Parking lots, outdoor restaurants, and town centers provide:
- Easy food
- Flat walking surfaces
- Little threat from predators
That’s why they often walk right past people without hesitation.
Are Common Mynas Native to Hawaiʻi?
No. Common Mynas are not native Hawaiian birds. They are considered invasive because they compete with native birds for nesting space and food.
They are known to:
- Take over nest sites
- Harass smaller birds
- Disrupt native bird populations
Common Myna vs Native Hawaiian Birds
Although they are extremely common, Common Mynas are not part of Hawaiʻi’s natural ecosystem.
| Feature | Common Myna | Native Hawaiian Birds |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Introduced | Native |
| Behavior | Aggressive and bold | Often shy |
| Habitat | Towns, farms, urban areas | Forests, wetlands |
| Impact | Competitive | Ecologically balanced |
Where You’re Most Likely to See Common Mynas on the Big Island
- Parking lots and shopping centers
- Towns and neighborhoods
- Farms and agricultural areas
- Roadsides and picnic areas
Big Island Myna Bird FAQ
What are the black birds you see everywhere on the Big Island?
They are most commonly Common Mynas, an introduced bird species that has spread across the island.
Are Common Mynas native to the Big Island?
No. They were introduced to Hawaiʻi and are considered invasive.
Why aren’t they afraid of people?
Common Mynas are very intelligent and have learned that people often mean food, not danger.
Do Common Mynas live in forests?
They prefer towns, farms, and open areas, but they can sometimes be seen near forest edges.
Aloha, did you like this page?