Density and nest-site selection of invasive mynas and starlings in urban and sub-urban areas in Western Sarawak

Siti Azyyati Nuraini Mohamed Azizi, . and Mohamad Fizl Sidq Ramji, . and Ng, Wen Teng and Nurul Ashikeen Abdul Razak, . and Hilda Jelembai Neilson Ilan, . and Jayasilan Mohd-Azlan, . (2023) Density and nest-site selection of invasive mynas and starlings in urban and sub-urban areas in Western Sarawak. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management (Malaysia), 18 (4). pp. 192-202. ISSN 2672-7226

Urban pest bird species, such as the Asian Glossy Starling, Javan Myna, and Common Myna have been a persistent menace to urban properties. This study compares the population densities of each species within urban and sub-urban areas between Kuching and Kota Samarahan. It was found that Javan Myna and Common Myna populations are concentrated in Pending with population densities of 12.9 ind/ha and 13.3 ind/ha, respectively. The Asian Glossy Starling was found to occupy heavily populated areas in Waterfront and the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak campus, with a population density of 15.0 ind/ha at both sites. We also studied the nesting density and habitat requirements of these species. The highest record of nesting density for the Common Myna (0.8 nests/ha) and Javan Myna (0.7 nests/ha) is in Pending, while the Asian Glossy Starling (2.6 nests/ha) is in Waterfront. The following microhabitat variables influenced the birds’ nest site selection: i) nest distance from garbage bins; ii) nest distance from shrubs and grass; and iii) nest distance from trees. Additionally, the data indicated that the birds had a strong preference for nesting in artificial structures. The Common Myna (25%) chose to nest inside air vents, whereas the Javan Myna (29.63%) and Asian Glossy Starling (51.95%) preferred to nest in holes and cavities.

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Abstract

Urban pest bird species, such as the Asian Glossy Starling, Javan Myna, and Common Myna have been a persistent menace to urban properties. This study compares the population densities of each species within urban and sub-urban areas between Kuching and Kota Samarahan. It was found that Javan Myna and Common Myna populations are concentrated in Pending with population densities of 12.9 ind/ha and 13.3 ind/ha, respectively. The Asian Glossy Starling was found to occupy heavily populated areas in Waterfront and the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak campus, with a population density of 15.0 ind/ha at both sites. We also studied the nesting density and habitat requirements of these species. The highest record of nesting density for the Common Myna (0.8 nests/ha) and Javan Myna (0.7 nests/ha) is in Pending, while the Asian Glossy Starling (2.6 nests/ha) is in Waterfront. The following microhabitat variables influenced the birds’ nest site selection: i) nest distance from garbage bins; ii) nest distance from shrubs and grass; and iii) nest distance from trees. Additionally, the data indicated that the birds had a strong preference for nesting in artificial structures. The Common Myna (25%) chose to nest inside air vents, whereas the Javan Myna (29.63%) and Asian Glossy Starling (51.95%) preferred to nest in holes and cavities.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	invasive species
AGROVOC Term:	composite populations
AGROVOC Term:	bird nests
AGROVOC Term:	habitat selection
AGROVOC Term:	data collection
AGROVOC Term:	data analysis
AGROVOC Term:	birds
AGROVOC Term:	ecologists
AGROVOC Term:	species diversity
AGROVOC Term:	ecosystem management
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	10 Mar 2025 03:44
Last Modified:	20 Jan 2026 08:07
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/482

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