Keeping Watch: Indian Myna Birds in the Howqua Valley

Feral animal management continues to be an important focus for our community, and recently we’ve had a concerning sighting close to home.

Indian Myna birds have been spotted near the Howqua River Road bridge. While they have already established populations in nearby towns like Mansfield and Benalla, they are not yet widespread in the Howqua Valley—and we’d like to keep it that way.

Indian Mynas are an aggressive, introduced species known for competing with native wildlife. They will take over nesting hollows and are known to destroy the eggs of other birds, reducing breeding success for our local species. Given the incredible diversity of birdlife we enjoy in the valley, it would be a real loss if these birds were to become established here.

In response, Howqua Valley Landcare Group (HVLG) has taken proactive steps, purchasing a Myna bird trap from the Benalla Mens Shed. The trap has now been installed under the Jamieson Road bridge, in a location that is easy to access and monitor, and will be checked regularly.

Community involvement is key to the success of this effort—members are encouraged to keep an eye on the trap when passing through and report any activity.

We also ask that any sightings of Indian Mynas in the area are reported as soon as possible. Early detection is critical in preventing the spread of pest species, and your observations can make a real difference.

Together, we can help protect the unique birdlife of the Howqua Valley.