Roost Abundance and Density of the Common Myna and Common Starling at Wollongong, New South Wales

Abstract

In seven inner sutmrbs of Wollongong (1180 ha), a total of 2175 Common Mynas Acridotheres rristis and 715 Common Starlings Stumus vulgaris roosted in four large groves of trees and five isolated trees from September to October 1992. Phoenix Palms Phoenix canariensis were used predominantly. In the same area, the number of foraging birds in December 1992 was 1452 Common Mynas and 1030 Common Starlings. The average densities (±95% confidence limits) were: Common Mynas 1.45 ± 0.2 birds per ha and Common Starlings 0. 77 ± 0.22 birds per ha. Roosts of both species are described and control of myna populations is discussed.