Moveable feast: myna birds on train in viral video looking for food, not a ‘joyride’
A viral video showing common myna birds riding a Sydney train has gained attention, with experts explaining that the birds are simply adapting to urban environments to scavenge for food. Wildlife researchers note that these birds are highly intelligent and have learned to navigate public transport systems.
Why it matters
This phenomenon illustrates how urban wildlife adapts to human infrastructure, providing insight into animal behavior in modern city landscapes.
Common mynas are ‘incredibly accustomed’ to living around humans, a wildlife researcher says. Photograph: imageBROKER/Kevin Sawford/Getty Images/imageBROKER RF Common mynas are ‘incredibly accustomed’ to living around humans, a wildlife researcher says. Photograph: imageBROKER/Kevin Sawford/Getty Images/imageBROKER RF Wildlife Moveable feast: myna birds on Sydney train looking for food not a ‘joyride’ in viral video Mynas are ‘incredibly good learners’ and likely hopped on the inner-city train to scrounge, expert says
Prefer the Guardian on Google A viral video of common myna birds appearing to calmly ride a Sydney train in place of winged flight has shocked social media users. But not experts, who say it makes perfect sense that avian life has adapted to routinely navigate public transport.
Bird life is ubiquitous in Australia’s urban landscapes. They appear in our shopping centres, our workplaces, our homes. To witness a feathered friend on a train isn’t exceptional.
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