Kamala Harris, far from being Indian

IT IS said the invasive myna bird was brought to Durban from India by indentured labourers between 1888 and 1900. Hence, they are referred to as Indian mynas.

They were sold to unwary residents on the promise that they could be trained to talk. When in groups, mynas make quite a din – they produce high-pitched notes and chatter, most commonly a raucous “radio, radio, radio” and a jarring “kharr, kharr, kharr”.

The Durban Municipality declared the myna an avian enemy a while back – their droppings foul buildings and vehicles; they do not tolerate other similar-sized birds; and they can cause house fires when