Declared by the IUCN as one of only three birds on the world’s 100 worst invasive species list, the common myna is a large native of Asia and was introduced to Hawai‘i in 1865 to control plagues of armyworms and cutworms in the sugarcane crops. (The other two invasive birds listed are the common starling and red-vented bulbul.) It subsequently spread the invasive, toxic flowering plant West Indian Lantana.

This highly adaptable bird prefers woodland and farmland but thrives in urban and suburban environments as it can build a nest in any covered nook or cranny. It has a stocky build with a brown body, black head and distinct yellow legs, bill, and eye patch. Found throughout all the main Hawaiian Islands, they are sometimes kept as pets and well known for their ability to mimic human sounds.