DENSITY AND NEST-SITE SELECTION OF INVASIVE MYNAS AND STARLINGS IN URBAN AND SUB-URBAN AREAS IN WESTERN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

• Main Authors: Siti Azyyati Nuraini, Mohamed Azizi, Mohamad Fizl Sidq, Ramji, Ng, Wen Teng, Nurul Ashikeen, Ab Razak, Hilda Jelembai, Neilson Ilan, Neilson, Ilan, Mohd Azlan, Jayasilan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Penerbit UMT 2023
• Subjects: QL Zoology
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/41976/3/DENSITY%20AND%20NEST%20-%20Copy.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/41976/; https://jssm.umt.edu.my/?page_id=132
• Institution: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

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.