Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredBlack-winged myna at a glance
The Black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is a bird in the family Sturnidae. Its IUCN Red List category is Endangered.
| Scientific name | Acridotheres melanopterus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Jalak putih |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Java, Bali, Madura and Nusa Penida (endemic to Indonesia) |
| Linked habitats | Savannas |
| Diet | Insects in savanna; also parasites on deer's backs |
| Range in Indonesia | Endemic to Java, Bali, Madura and Nusa Penida |
| Key feature | White body, black wings and tail, yellow bill |
| Other names | Jalak putih, black-winged starling |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected (Regulation P.106/2018) |
| IUCN status | Endangered (2021 assessment) |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 25 September 2026 |
In this guide (10)
What is the black-winged myna?
The black-winged myna is a stocky starling about 23 cm long, white all over apart from black wings and tail. According to BirdLife, adults have a short white crest, bare yellowish or pinkish skin around the eye and a yellow bill and legs. The Bali myna differs in having black only on the wing and tail tips, a much longer crest and blue skin around the eye. There are three subspecies. A 2020 genomic study by Sadanandan and colleagues found them genetically very similar, so BirdLife now treats them as one species again.
Evidence: BirdLife International DataZone — Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus species factsheet ↗ · Sadanandan et al. (2020), Scientific Reports — The conservation value of admixed phenotypes in a critically endangered species complex (PMC) ↗
Where does the black-winged myna live?
The black-winged myna is endemic to Java and Bali and also occurs on Madura and Nusa Penida. The subspecies melanopterus lives across most of Java, tricolor in south-east Java and tertius on Bali. According to BirdLife, it uses open lowland country such as farmland, grazed pasture, savanna, monsoon forest including teak, and forest edge. BirdLife's 2021 assessment says melanopterus may already be extinct in the wild. The largest wild population, about 180 birds, is in Baluran National Park, while 35–100 are thought to remain in West Bali National Park.
Evidence: BirdLife International DataZone — Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus species factsheet ↗ · Shepherd et al. (2016), Bird Conservation International — Illegal trade pushing the Critically Endangered Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus towards imminent extinction ↗
What does the black-winged myna eat?
The black-winged myna feeds on open ground such as savanna and grassland, and its food includes insects. A study by Brillianti (2019) in West Bali National Park found that it used the savanna to feed and drink. In the rainy season the savanna offers plenty of insects in the undergrowth and nearby trees. The researchers also watched mynas picking parasites off the backs of deer, while grazing deer flushed insects that the birds could catch. BirdLife adds that some flocks on Bali were thought to move around following flowering and fruiting trees.
Evidence: Brillianti (2019), Jurnal Pengelolaan Sumberdaya Alam dan Lingkungan (IPB) — Black-winged Starling Populations and Habitats in West Bali National Park ↗ · BirdLife International DataZone — Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus species factsheet ↗
How does the black-winged myna behave?
The black-winged myna usually lives in pairs or small flocks and feeds on grassy ground. According to Shepherd and colleagues (2016), it once roosted in trees and even on houses in towns. It nests in natural cavities and in artificial nest boxes. BirdLife reports that birds released at the Taman Safari Bogor site breed in both natural and artificial cavities. Cikananga Wildlife Center reports the first wild breeding by its released birds in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park in April 2014.
Evidence: Shepherd et al. (2016), Bird Conservation International — Illegal trade pushing the Critically Endangered Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus towards imminent extinction ↗ · BirdLife International DataZone — Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus species factsheet ↗ · Cikananga Wildlife Center — Black-winged Myna ↗
Why is the black-winged myna endangered?
The black-winged myna is endangered mainly because it is caught for the bird trade. BirdLife calls it one of the most popular cage birds on Java. The 2021 IUCN assessment estimates a global population of only 220–285 birds, or about 150–190 mature individuals, and lists it as Endangered. According to TRAFFIC, its price in Jakarta rose from about US$12.50 in 1987 to an average of US$270 in 2014. Poaching continues even in protected areas: three juveniles were taken from West Bali National Park in May 2021.
Evidence: BirdLife International DataZone — Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus species factsheet ↗ · TRAFFIC — In the Market for Extinction: An inventory of Jakarta's bird markets (Chng et al., 2015) ↗
How can the black-winged myna be protected?
The black-winged myna is protected in Indonesia: Acridotheres melanopterus is listed in the annex of Regulation P.106/2018, as are A. tricolor and A. tertius. According to BirdLife, protection makes catching, transporting and trading it illegal, but enforcement remains weak. BirdLife recommends enforcement at bird markets and in protected areas, and campaigns to stop people buying protected wildlife. People can help by reporting sales to the local conservation agency (BKSDA) or the police. Do not release caged birds yourself: unplanned releases can mix subspecies. Sadanandan and colleagues recommend separate breeding programmes for each subspecies.
Evidence: JDIH Kemenko Infrastruktur — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (teks dan lampiran) ↗ · BirdLife International DataZone — Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus species factsheet ↗ · Sadanandan et al. (2020), Scientific Reports — The conservation value of admixed phenotypes in a critically endangered species complex (PMC) ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Common questions about the Black-winged myna
What is the scientific name of the Black-winged myna?
The scientific name of the Black-winged myna is Acridotheres melanopterus, in the family Sturnidae. In Indonesian it is called Jalak putih.
Where can the Black-winged myna be found in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the Black-winged myna in: Java, Bali, Madura and Nusa Penida (endemic to Indonesia).
Source-supported habitats: Savannas.
What does the Black-winged myna eat?
Diet of the Black-winged myna: insects in savanna; also parasites on deer's backs.
What is the conservation status of the Black-winged myna?
On the IUCN Red List, the Black-winged myna is listed as Endangered: it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 25 September 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Black-winged myna is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- BirdLife International DataZone — Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus species factsheet ↗
- Shepherd et al. (2016), Bird Conservation International — Illegal trade pushing the Critically Endangered Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus towards imminent extinction ↗
- Sadanandan et al. (2020), Scientific Reports — The conservation value of admixed phenotypes in a critically endangered species complex (PMC) ↗
- Brillianti (2019), Jurnal Pengelolaan Sumberdaya Alam dan Lingkungan (IPB) — Black-winged Starling Populations and Habitats in West Bali National Park ↗
- JDIH Kemenko Infrastruktur — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (teks dan lampiran) ↗
- Cikananga Wildlife Center — Black-winged Myna ↗
- TRAFFIC — In the Market for Extinction: An inventory of Jakarta's bird markets (Chng et al., 2015) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.
Cite this page
PanduanHewan. (2026, 25 September). Black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus). PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/black-winged-myna/