Bali Mynah
Appearance & Physical Traits
Plumage: Mostly snow-white, with black tips on its wings and tail feathers.
Head: Features a prominent, lacy crest (longer in males) and bright blue, featherless skin patches around the eyes.
Bill & Legs: Bluish-gray legs and feet, with a dull yellow horn-like tip on the beak.
Size: About 10 inches (25 cm) long, weighing around 3 ounces (85g).
Habitat & Diet
Native Range: Found exclusively in the dry, open woodlands and savanna-like areas of northwest Bali, Indonesia.
Diet: An omnivore, eating insects (ants, termites, grasshoppers), seeds, fruits, worms, and small reptiles.
Behavior & Social Life
Social Structure: Forms strong, monogamous pairs, known for long-term bonds and territorial defense.
Vocalization: Produces complex songs with chattering, whistling, and high-pitched notes, often displayed with crest-raising during courtship.
Nesting: Builds nests in tree cavities, raising 2-3 chicks per clutch, with both parents caring for young.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered: One of the world's rarest birds, nearly extinct in the wild due to capture for the illegal wildlife trade.
Population: Wild numbers plummeted, but captive breeding programs and anti-poaching efforts aim to boost populations, with releases of captive-bred birds helping maintain wild numbers.
The Bali Mynah Conservation at Feather Headz
The Bali mynah (Leucopsar rothschildi) is one of the most critically endangered birds in the world. With fewer than 100 individuals estimated to remain in the wild, every responsibly managed pair plays a vital role in the species’ survival.
At Feather Headz Aviary, we currently maintain several established unrelated breeding pairs as part of our conservation-focused program. These birds are not bred for the pet trade — they are held strictly for genetic preservation, managed breeding, and long-term species sustainability.
Due to decades of habitat loss and illegal trapping, the Bali mynah nearly disappeared from the wild. Carefully managed captive populations now serve as a genetic safety net, helping ensure this iconic species does not vanish forever.
Our role is simple but critical:
Preserve strong genetic lines
Maintain the highest standards of care
Support global conservation goals for the species
