22 Sandgrouse 37 (2015) First evidence of colonization by Common Myna Acridotheres tristis in Jordan, 2013–2014 FARES KHOURY & MOHAMMED ALSHAMLIH Ecologically, invasive animal species alter the abundance and diversity of native species by predation and competition and alter ecosystem functions and energy influxes jeopardizing the existence of native species (Strayer et al 2006, Ehrenfeld 2010, Ricciardi et al 2013). Invasive species are introduced either incidentally eg passive transfer in ballast water or intentionally to procure some supposed benefit. Incidental introduction of birds is either by pet trade escapees or passive relocation on freighters and ships. The Common Myna Acridotheres tristis is considered by IUCN as one of the world’s most invasive alien bird species (Lowe et al 2000).The natural distribution of the Common Myna ranges from central to southeastern Asia (Feare & Craig 1998). It has been introduced either intentionally or unintentionally to various parts of the world including the Arabian peninsula and parts of the Levant, where it has established colonies, mainly in gardens and parks in urbanized areas (Porter et al 1996, Holzapfel et al 2006). The man-made habitats colonized by Common Myna in the Middle East apparently resemble the tropical and sub-tropical habitats found in its natural range (Holzapfel et al 2006). During 2013 there were three records in three different sites in Jordan (Figure 1); all were accepted by the Jordan bird records committee JBRC. Two birds 17 April 2013 in a western suburb of Amman (along the medical city road, 31° 58′ N, 35° 50′ E, 970 m asl), and seen at least once more at same location later in the month (once seen visiting a hole in a high, man-made wall there). First confirmed country record. Not seen at this location 2014. One bird shot at initially unknown location in Jordan valley as indicated by photo posted by a Jordanian hunter on his Facebook page (24 June 2013). This record later confirmed to be within Jordan, close to Madaba ( c30 km south of Amman). Two birds recorded 12 August 2013 near Queen Alia (Amman) international airport entrance close to a parking lot in an area with landscaping (palm trees, irrigated lawns etc ), 25 km south of Amman (31° 43′ N, 35° 58′ E, 715 m asl). During 2014, there were several further sightings at two locations (records 4–6 for Jordan, accepted JBRC). Kafrein (fourth/fifth records)—two birds observed and photographed perching on electricity pole near Kafrein village, Jordan valley north of the Dead sea, during May 2014. A pair recorded 30 July on Amman–Dead sea main road just east of Kafrein (31° 50′ N, 35° 41′ E, 150 m asl–150 m bsl, Plate 1, description below). A third bird, apparently associated with the pair, was observed for a few seconds at distance but could not be identified with certainty. The pair was observed once more at the same site in the following week. The birds were frequently using the ground near the road and on a nearby slope for foraging and were perching on scattered Prosopis juliflora shrubs (an introduced invasive species), electricity poles, and small abandoned huts. A pumping Figure 1. Map of Jordan showing the approximate distribution of Common Myna Acridotheres tristis according to the 2013–2014 records from western Amman, south of Amman and Kafrein in the Jordan valley.