I think people tend to overlook the fact that birds can be invasive species too, but it’s hard to overstate the severity of the impact these species are having in some regions. On one hand I find these birds to be impressive and pretty to look at, but on the other I would rather see the native biodiversity of ecosystems preserved. You did a great job covering these birds and explaining why they have created such a foothold around the world, nice work Steve! - Harrison and Evan
Oh, totally agree with you, Harrison and Evan! Starlings are impressive with their murmurations and their feathers are fantastic. They are here to stay, also. I researched for a while and did not find any way to reverse an invasive species on this scale. Making this video really reinforced the idea that invasive species are one of the biggest problems facing biodiversity. I appreciate you watching again this week!
And also if they are already estalished, think seriously, what is lesser evil: do nothing to control them or try to kill using methods, which themselves can have negative impacts and effective only in short-term perspective. In Samoa myna poisoning programmes pollute water and kill a lot of native birds, "good poison" Starlicide is used, and no one had seriously studied effects of avicide poisons on biodiversity.
A lot of introduced birds are harmless for environment and not known to displace native species: Mandarin duck in Europe, waxbills all over warm areas, chaffinch, goldfinch in New Zealand, redpoll in Subantarctic, pheasant in USA. So, birds really are less destructive, than mammals: if bird find vacant niche, it harms no one, mammals can wreak havoc on whole food chain regardless of having ecological analogue in invaded area
Both the Starling and the Mynah are part of the same families, and both are really cool and they have a lot more in common that you’d think. They’d make a great vs video! Here in UAE, there are tons of Indian Hill Mynahs, and they’re invasive too. They’ve taken over both the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I love seeing them during a walk in the park, but what I also see is birdseed on the floor left out to feed any park birds. This shows that these mynahs not only adapt to any environment they’re in, but also have active support from humans to do so. I’m sure the people feeding them are unaware of the damage they cause. This is why I started posting videos, and I respect people who do this as well. It’s something to admire, the resilience of omnivorous birds. It’s the same story with crows, and sparrows. Important video, and well done!
Thanks Pranav! Bird food is so tricky, because done properly, it helps native species and connects people with nature. But you're right that it provides free resources that help invasive species even more, since they tend to live alongside humans. If you ever make a video about this I will totally watch. :) Thanks for sharing your insights on this topic!
Great video! Hawaii is a place that is losing their native birds and the islands are becoming home to a large number of non-native birds. Really enjoyed this video.
So true, Cole! And you have done a good job talking about Hawaiian bird species on your channel, both the Nene and the Io. Hawaii should be a world-class example of how to conserve island species. It has a stable government and lots of people who care about conservation. They should get enough funding to give New Zealand some competition. :) Thanks for watching!
About myna poisoning in Samoa. "Banded rails and Polynesian trillers were observed eating toxic bait and carcasses were found." "Note that rivers associated with increasing Cl concentrations follow a different distribution pattern than those of the other elements just mentioned, with incidences of increasing Cl concentrations being more evenly distributed around the perimeter of the island (Table 7). This distribution is especially similar to that of two species of introduced myna birds inhabiting the coastal urban areas and plantations on the island. Introduced to Upolu Island, the myna bird is considered a threat to indigenous wildlife including endangered and conserved birds, and is the subject of avid extermination by use of the avicide DRC-1339 (Starlicide) [39,40]. Starlicide is acutely toxic to myna birds, and though it has other specific avian targets, including gulls, it has a wide toxic net to other families of birds and to some mammals, and is acutely toxic to aquatic invertebrates and some fish [41]. While aquatic environmental toxicity testing has only been performed in freshwater settings, marine invertebrates and fish are also likely susceptible."
That's sad to hear, Falcon! Poisons aren't selective, and they tend to last in the environment and cause additional, unintended destruction. It's more like a last-resort tool, otherwise it could cause as much damage as the invasive species itself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
@@BioBushfortunately, in Europe and most of Asia Starlicide is illegal as use for corvid control in Hungary had a lot of negative side effects, including decline of population of birds, which use corvid nests. But, active ingredient is widely used in organic synthesis and often appears in sewage. This also means risks for sensitive birds, mammals, fish and invertebrates, so strange, that no one really concerns. Widely used herbicide Chlortoluron is produced using same active ingredient as intermediate and compound is possible to reappear as metabolite. This also is not appear to be a major concern, despite starlings are declining in many European countries (not really known, if Chlortoluron is to blame, but a way how it is produced and how metabolizes addes it to list of potential risks)
Yes, they eat rice, wheat, and corn. And they are fierce competitors for cavity nests, of which there is a limited supply (there are only so many tree hollows for both native and invasive species). Good question!
If they hadn't been introduced in the first place, they wouldn't be constantly poisoned. Rather like the rabbits in Australia and the thousands of camels that are shot from choppers there every year it's ridiculous. One would think that there would be a use for them, there's enough land in the Australian bush.
That's a good point, Pepper. It seems cruel to just kill invasive species. I would guess they do it that way because of economics - there just isn't enough funding to pursue other strategies for many invasive species. I do know there are groups that promote hunting and eating invasive species, like the Lionfish in the Caribbean. I'll have to talk about that in a future video. Thanks for watching!
With bulbuls impact on biodiversity is just theory, but, they are burden for gardeners (as they spoil flowers and steal fruits). However, all three birds also eat insect pests, so, efforts to control them may cause increase of insecticide use if they are successful.
That's a great point, FalconfromRF. Every change has consequences, even a change back to "normal". It makes decisions so complicated because there is no perfect answer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate you watching!
That makes a lot of sense. The reason they are invasive in the first place is because they match so well with the environmental conditions. It's tough because when the invasive population is small it doesn't seem like a big problem, and when the invasive population is large it's too late. And if you successfully stave off an invasion it looks like it wasn't a problem in the first place, because the negative consequences don't happen. So... important, but also challenging to address. Yikes! Thanks for watching, JJ!
And try to alter habitat as less as possible, no non-native bird is common outside human-altered habitat usually. Habitat protection may not only preserve environment for native birds, but also play a big role in preventing or at least slowing down spread of invasive ones.
I think that would be very effective. I like the similar invasive removal programs like Lionfish hunting in the Caribbean (publish recipes, have organized catch and eat parties, etc.). I haven't looked into the side effects, but it seems like a creative solution. Thank you for watching, Andrea!
Hi Ostrich Gaming! They are native to all of India, southeast to Malaysia and northwest up to Kazakhstan. In recent times they have further increased their spread to the warm parts of many different continents. They may end up being more common than other birds in many places. Thanks for watching!
![Invasive Species of Florida - Documentary [HD]](/img/n.gif)
I think people tend to overlook the fact that birds can be invasive species too, but it’s hard to overstate the severity of the impact these species are having in some regions. On one hand I find these birds to be impressive and pretty to look at, but on the other I would rather see the native biodiversity of ecosystems preserved. You did a great job covering these birds and explaining why they have created such a foothold around the world, nice work Steve!
- Harrison and Evan
That’s a great point! Mynahs are drop dead gorgeous to look at, you’d never guess it was responsible for the degradation of local ecosystems.
Oh, totally agree with you, Harrison and Evan! Starlings are impressive with their murmurations and their feathers are fantastic. They are here to stay, also. I researched for a while and did not find any way to reverse an invasive species on this scale. Making this video really reinforced the idea that invasive species are one of the biggest problems facing biodiversity. I appreciate you watching again this week!
And also if they are already estalished, think seriously, what is lesser evil: do nothing to control them or try to kill using methods, which themselves can have negative impacts and effective only in short-term perspective.
In Samoa myna poisoning programmes pollute water and kill a lot of native birds, "good poison" Starlicide is used, and no one had seriously studied effects of avicide poisons on biodiversity.
A lot of introduced birds are harmless for environment and not known to displace native species: Mandarin duck in Europe, waxbills all over warm areas, chaffinch, goldfinch in New Zealand, redpoll in Subantarctic, pheasant in USA.
So, birds really are less destructive, than mammals: if bird find vacant niche, it harms no one, mammals can wreak havoc on whole food chain regardless of having ecological analogue in invaded area
Both the Starling and the Mynah are part of the same families, and both are really cool and they have a lot more in common that you’d think. They’d make a great vs video! Here in UAE, there are tons of Indian Hill Mynahs, and they’re invasive too. They’ve taken over both the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I love seeing them during a walk in the park, but what I also see is birdseed on the floor left out to feed any park birds. This shows that these mynahs not only adapt to any environment they’re in, but also have active support from humans to do so. I’m sure the people feeding them are unaware of the damage they cause. This is why I started posting videos, and I respect people who do this as well. It’s something to admire, the resilience of omnivorous birds. It’s the same story with crows, and sparrows. Important video, and well done!
Thanks Pranav! Bird food is so tricky, because done properly, it helps native species and connects people with nature. But you're right that it provides free resources that help invasive species even more, since they tend to live alongside humans. If you ever make a video about this I will totally watch. :) Thanks for sharing your insights on this topic!
Great video! Hawaii is a place that is losing their native birds and the islands are becoming home to a large number of non-native birds. Really enjoyed this video.
So true, Cole! And you have done a good job talking about Hawaiian bird species on your channel, both the Nene and the Io. Hawaii should be a world-class example of how to conserve island species. It has a stable government and lots of people who care about conservation. They should get enough funding to give New Zealand some competition. :) Thanks for watching!
@@BioBush I've been trying to work with people in New Zealand to do a video on the Kakapo and it's plight, no luck yet.
Thanks for the wonderful video, watched it with great pleasure,Have a nice day! 👍🏼 A new friend
Thanks for the kind words, Cheunguey! There are so many interesting things to learn about birds. Thanks for watching!
About myna poisoning in Samoa.
"Banded rails and Polynesian trillers were observed eating toxic bait and carcasses were
found."
"Note that rivers associated with increasing Cl concentrations follow a different distribution pattern than those of the other elements just mentioned, with incidences of increasing Cl concentrations being more evenly distributed around the perimeter of the island (Table 7). This distribution is especially similar to that of two species of introduced myna birds inhabiting the coastal urban areas and plantations on the island. Introduced to Upolu Island, the myna bird is considered a threat to indigenous wildlife including endangered and conserved birds, and is the subject of avid extermination by use of the avicide DRC-1339 (Starlicide) [39,40]. Starlicide is acutely toxic to myna birds, and though it has other specific avian targets, including gulls, it has a wide toxic net to other families of birds and to some mammals, and is acutely toxic to aquatic invertebrates and some fish [41]. While aquatic environmental toxicity testing has only been performed in freshwater settings, marine invertebrates and fish are also likely susceptible."
That's sad to hear, Falcon! Poisons aren't selective, and they tend to last in the environment and cause additional, unintended destruction. It's more like a last-resort tool, otherwise it could cause as much damage as the invasive species itself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
@@BioBushfortunately, in Europe and most of Asia Starlicide is illegal as use for corvid control in Hungary had a lot of negative side effects, including decline of population of birds, which use corvid nests.
But, active ingredient is widely used in organic synthesis and often appears in sewage. This also means risks for sensitive birds, mammals, fish and invertebrates, so strange, that no one really concerns.
Widely used herbicide Chlortoluron is produced using same active ingredient as intermediate and compound is possible to reappear as metabolite. This also is not appear to be a major concern, despite starlings are declining in many European countries (not really known, if Chlortoluron is to blame, but a way how it is produced and how metabolizes addes it to list of potential risks)
How many instects to starlings eat? Or is it that they eat other things, like rice, wheat and corn? Do they?
Yes, they eat rice, wheat, and corn. And they are fierce competitors for cavity nests, of which there is a limited supply (there are only so many tree hollows for both native and invasive species). Good question!
If they hadn't been introduced in the first place, they wouldn't be constantly poisoned. Rather like the rabbits in Australia and the thousands of camels that are shot from choppers there every year it's ridiculous. One would think that there would be a use for them, there's enough land in the Australian bush.
That's a good point, Pepper. It seems cruel to just kill invasive species. I would guess they do it that way because of economics - there just isn't enough funding to pursue other strategies for many invasive species. I do know there are groups that promote hunting and eating invasive species, like the Lionfish in the Caribbean. I'll have to talk about that in a future video. Thanks for watching!
With bulbuls impact on biodiversity is just theory, but, they are burden for gardeners (as they spoil flowers and steal fruits).
However, all three birds also eat insect pests, so, efforts to control them may cause increase of insecticide use if they are successful.
That's a great point, FalconfromRF. Every change has consequences, even a change back to "normal". It makes decisions so complicated because there is no perfect answer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate you watching!
Preventing new invasions is really important, it is is very hard to remove species that have fully invaded an ecosystem
That makes a lot of sense. The reason they are invasive in the first place is because they match so well with the environmental conditions. It's tough because when the invasive population is small it doesn't seem like a big problem, and when the invasive population is large it's too late. And if you successfully stave off an invasion it looks like it wasn't a problem in the first place, because the negative consequences don't happen. So... important, but also challenging to address. Yikes! Thanks for watching, JJ!
And try to alter habitat as less as possible, no non-native bird is common outside human-altered habitat usually.
Habitat protection may not only preserve environment for native birds, but also play a big role in preventing or at least slowing down spread of invasive ones.
We need starling feather hats. That will extirpate them real quick.
I think that would be very effective. I like the similar invasive removal programs like Lionfish hunting in the Caribbean (publish recipes, have organized catch and eat parties, etc.). I haven't looked into the side effects, but it seems like a creative solution. Thank you for watching, Andrea!
Liked
Thank you, Wildlife Expedition! There are so many interesting things to learn about birds. Thanks for watching!
I live in India and I see a lot of mynas they are thriving more than pigeons where I live
Hi Ostrich Gaming! They are native to all of India, southeast to Malaysia and northwest up to Kazakhstan. In recent times they have further increased their spread to the warm parts of many different continents. They may end up being more common than other birds in many places. Thanks for watching!
@@BioBush noice thanks
If we all do our part, we can control these.
💜