The Orange Field Naturalist and Conservation Society and Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange are joining forces today to survey populations of the birds in various locations across the city. 

Field Naturalists president John Austin says the purpose of the survey is to establish where the birds are located and a rough estimate of how many there are.

“You’ve got to turn anecdotes into information so you can start taking steps and bring in culling programs,”  he said.

“What they do is kick native birds out of their nests, and then they spread and take over any hollow they can find. They’ll nest in holes and crevices in buildings where traditionally swallows, starlings and pigeons would nest.”

Mr Austin said Acridotheres tristis or the common myna, more commonly known as Indian mynas, should not be confused with the native and common noisy miner, a grey bird compared to the Indian’s chocolate feathers.

He encouraged Orange residents to keep an eye out for Indian mynas, and add to the survey by emailing their sightings to the conservation group at orangefieldnats@gmail.com.

He said location, including cross streets, if they were spotted in a particular tree or hollow and how many birds were sighted, was important information to include.