Black-winged mynas are being coveted to the brink of extinction

The black-winged myna is found only in Java and Bali in Indonesia. Photo: Khaled Yordan

Open and widespread illegal trade in black-winged mynas in Indonesia is pushing this species down a dangerous path. The species is so rare that captive breeding centres have been robbed. Soaring prices and rarity point to a species on the brink.

Black-winged mynas are prized in the cage bird trade for their striking black and white plumage, lively behaviour and melodious singing. And their extreme rarity in the wild adds to their desirability.