Common myna birds regularly commuting on Sydney trains for food
Consensus Summary
Two common myna birds have become regular commuters on Sydney’s inner-city North Shore line, traveling between Lindfield and Artarmon. Observers, including ABC producer Jackie Dent, have documented the birds calmly perched on train seats, suggesting their behavior is driven by food rather than curiosity. The viral video of the birds has garnered over 4.6 million views, with many sharing similar sightings. Experts confirm the birds’ intelligence and adaptability, noting their ability to exploit human environments, a trait dating back to ancient Egypt. While the ABC article highlights the birds’ Sunday morning routine and mentions other train-using birds, the Guardian emphasizes their long-term presence and the public’s familiarity with them from past years.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Two common myna birds are regular commuters on Sydney’s inner-city North Shore line, traveling between Lindfield and Artarmon
- The birds were observed perched atop a seat on the train, unmoving and relaxed
- The viral video of the birds was posted by ABC producer Jackie Dent after spotting them on a train
- The birds’ behavior is believed to be food-driven, exploiting resources along the train line
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The birds were spotted on a Sunday morning by Jackie Dent at Roseville Station
- The video has amassed more than 4.6 million views
- A pigeon was also observed getting on and off a train in Sydney, leaving unsightly evidence
- There is another set of birds known to travel between North Sydney and Milsons Point
- A bird named Archie was a regular in North Sydney before dying
- A user commented that they had watched the birds during their uni days while commuting to Lindfield
- Common mynas’ behavior dates back to ancient Egypt in terms of adapting to human environments
- BirdLife Australia’s Sean Dooley described the birds as highly intelligent and capable of mimicking speech
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The Guardian mentions the birds were observed 'last month,' but the ABC article does not specify a date beyond the viral video's recent posting
- The ABC article states the birds travel 'about a seven to 10-minute trip,' while the Guardian does not mention a specific duration
Source Articles
Moveable feast: myna birds on Sydney train looking for food not ‘joyride’ in viral video
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