And they walk like fat old men.
Several sub species live in tropical climates and often migrate seasonally. And they love cream crackers.
Thai Mynahs seemed to like the area around my house in Ban Krut. It backed up to a coconut grove and a forested stream ran along the back end of the property.
So I decided to set up an impromptu feeding and watering station on my front porch. That gave me ample opportunity to observe, but mostly to listen to their whistles, growls and laughs. They will eat a bit of dry rice, but like steamed rice better. Oddly, the birds around my house wouldn't eat field grain from the pet store.
What they really love are cream crackers.
You gotta see this .. Mynah bird imitating a Tuk Tuk
One day I heard a terrible commotion in front and looked out to see a pair of Mynahs standing in front of my doorway chattering like crazy. I soon realized they were drawing my attention to an empty food dish. I got the domestic situation back to normal with a bribe .. two cream crackers.
Apparently these little guys are fairly easy to tame. One Thais suggested a way to get up close and personal. It involves lacing rice with Thai whiskey. When the Mynahs get tipsy, they can be approached, stroked and tamed. I haven't tried that yet.
While the Mynahs were eating cream crackers, I would make a unique and unmistakable sound. They were smart enough to recognize my signal, and I was eventually able to call them for fresh rice or crackers.
Many people cage Mynahs and teach them to talk, but I don't like animals in cages. I will have to get by with appreciating them from afar.
