Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredBlack-winged myna at a glance
The black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is a bird in the family Sturnidae. Range in Indonesia: Java, Bali, Madura and Nusa Penida (endemic to Indonesia). It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Java, Bali, Madura and Nusa Penida. Diet: insects in savanna; also parasites on deer's backs; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Acridotheres melanopterus |
|---|---|
| Former scientific name | Sturnus 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 |
| IUCN status | Endangered (2021 assessment) |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 659 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — insects, fruit and nectar · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| 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 — Java, Bali, Madura and Nusa Penida · BirdLife DataZone |
In this guide (12)
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 Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan 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.
Scientific classification of the Black-winged myna
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Acridotheres |
| Species | Acridotheres melanopterus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
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. A former scientific name still often used: Sturnus melanopterus.
What kind of animal is the black-winged myna?
The black-winged myna is a bird in the family Sturnidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a insects, fruit and nectar. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the black-winged myna live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the black-winged myna in: Java, Bali, Madura and Nusa Penida (endemic to Indonesia).
The black-winged myna is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Java, Bali, Madura and Nusa Penida. Source: BirdLife DataZone.
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. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the black-winged myna reproduce?
The black-winged myna reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the black-winged myna nocturnal?
The cited source records the black-winged 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 black-winged myna?
Key features of the black-winged myna, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: white body, black wings and tail, yellow bill.
What is the scientific classification of the black-winged myna?
Scientific classification of the black-winged myna: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Sturnidae, genus Acridotheres, species Acridotheres melanopterus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the black-winged myna endangered?
Yes. 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 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the black-winged myna protected in Indonesia?
Is the black-winged myna protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) 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 659).
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 black-winged myna be kept as a pet?
No. Because the black-winged 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
- 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 Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan lampiran) ↗
- Cikananga Wildlife Center — Black-winged Myna ↗
- TRAFFIC — In the Market for Extinction: An inventory of Jakarta's bird markets (Chng et al., 2015) ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
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PanduanHewan. Black-winged myna (Acridotheres melanopterus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/black-winged-myna/