Quick answer
IUCN status: Critically EndangeredBali myna at a glance
The Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) is a bird in the family Sturnidae. Range in Indonesia: Bali; released populations must be distinguished from original range. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Bali. Diet: insects and fruit; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Leucopsar rothschildi |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Jalak Bali |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Bali; released populations must be distinguished from original range |
| Linked habitats | Savannas |
| Also called | Bali starling |
| Diet | Insects and fruit |
| Nest | Tree cavities or suitable nest boxes |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered · Begawan — Bali Starling conservation programme |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 665 |
| Size | About 25 cm long; 70–115 g · San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — Bali myna |
| Wild population | Fell to about 15 wild birds in 1990 and 6 in 2001; after releases, 191 individuals were counted in West Bali National Park in April 2019 · BirdLife International DataZone — Bali Myna species factsheet |
| In captivity | Around 1,000 individuals are believed to survive in captivity · BirdLife International DataZone — Bali Myna species factsheet |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — fruit, seeds, insects and other small animals · Oiseaux-Birds |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Bali · BirdLife DataZone |
In this guide (12)
Recognisable features
Bali mynas are predominantly white, with black wing and tail tips and blue skin around the eyes. A crest is another conspicuous feature. Males and females look similar, so an ordinary photograph may not establish sex. Curik Bali and Bali starling are alternative names for the same species.
Habitat and daily life
These birds forage for insects and fruit and use cavities for nesting. Open wooded areas and suitable trees need to provide both food and breeding places. Nest boxes can form part of a managed programme, but putting up a box without assessing the location is not a substitute for habitat protection.
Evidence: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — Bali myna ↗ · BCA Zoo — Bali starling habitat ↗ · Begawan — Conservation archive and release monitoring ↗
Why the bird trade matters
The Bali myna’s beauty and rarity have encouraged capture for the bird trade. Seeing a bird in a cage does not establish lawful origin or conservation benefit. When faced with breeding claims, look for verifiable documentation; do not assume every sale supports the wild population.
Release is a process
Begawan’s conservation archive describes a 2019 habitat assessment before release and monitoring afterwards. The process involves the birds’ readiness and environmental conditions. The number released is not the number that survives or breeds. Good reporting distinguishes these stages and explains the role of communities around the release site.
Evidence: Begawan — Conservation archive and release monitoring ↗
Trees, farms, and community support
Begawan reports education and community work as part of Bali myna conservation. This shows that protection does not stop at a breeding centre’s fence. When assessing a programme, consider who maintains habitat, how disturbance is prevented, and whether outcomes are explained openly rather than relying only on release photographs.
Evidence: Begawan — Conservation archive and release monitoring ↗
Learn without disturbance
Watch from distances recommended by site managers and avoid approaching nests. Support observation or education that clearly explains welfare and conservation. Do not share precise nest locations. To learn more, connect this profile with habitat guidance and wildlife-trade reporting rather than treating a close encounter as the main objective.
Evidence: American Birding Association — Code of Birding Ethics ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Bali myna
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Leucopsar |
| Species | Leucopsar rothschildi |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Bali myna
What is the scientific name of the Bali myna?
The scientific name of the Bali myna is Leucopsar rothschildi, in the family Sturnidae. In Indonesian it is called Jalak Bali.
What kind of animal is the Bali myna?
The Bali myna is a bird in the family Sturnidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a fruit, seeds, insects and other small animals. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Bali myna live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the Bali myna in: Bali; released populations must be distinguished from original range.
The Bali myna is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Bali. Source: BirdLife DataZone.
Source-supported habitats: Savannas.
What does the Bali myna eat?
Diet of the Bali myna: insects and fruit. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: Oiseaux-Birds.
How does the Bali myna reproduce?
The Bali myna reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Bali myna nocturnal?
The cited source records the Bali myna as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the Bali myna?
Key features of the Bali myna, from this guide’s sources: Size: About 25 cm long; 70–115 g.
How big is the Bali myna?
Size: About 25 cm long; 70–115 g. Source: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — Bali myna.
How large is the population of the Bali myna?
Fell to about 15 wild birds in 1990 and 6 in 2001; after releases, 191 individuals were counted in West Bali National Park in April 2019. Source: BirdLife International DataZone — Bali Myna species factsheet. Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.
What is the scientific classification of the Bali myna?
Scientific classification of the Bali myna: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Sturnidae, genus Leucopsar, species Leucopsar rothschildi.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Bali myna endangered?
Yes. The global conservation status of the Bali myna: Critically Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: Begawan — Bali Starling conservation programme.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Bali myna protected in Indonesia?
Is the Bali myna protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 665); the annex lists it as Leucopsar rothschildii.
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Bali myna be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Bali myna is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — Bali myna ↗
- BCA Zoo — Bali starling habitat ↗
- Begawan — Conservation archive and release monitoring ↗
- American Birding Association — Code of Birding Ethics ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- BirdLife International DataZone — Bali Myna species factsheet ↗
- Oiseaux-Birds ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bali-myna/