For Laksia Murry and his wife Zubeno, life at home in New Wokha village is never dull, thanks to their beloved bird, Myna. What began as a simple gift from a friend almost ten years ago has now become a story of deep connection and affection.

An extraordinary companion, beloved Myna (namesake of the same species) is a bird that talks, listens, and loves like one of their own.

Speaking with Nagaland Tribune, Laksia recalled how Myna first came into their lives. “A friend from Merapani gave the bird to me,” he said. “We call it Myna Itself. It was still very young back then, and now it has become like our own child. Very obedient and smart.”

Over the years, Myna has surprised everyone with its ability to talk and understand. “It learned just by listening to us,” said Laksia. “Now it can call our children by their names and understands whatever we say in Lotha language. Even when we talk quietly, Myna somehow understands what’s going on,” he stated.

Myna is quite selective when it comes to talking. “It doesn’t speak much around strangers,” shared Laksia. “It mostly talks with us that is my wife, me, and our two children. It feels like it knows who belongs to the family.”

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The couple described Myna as a gentle and well-behaved companion. “It takes bath by itself and goes inside its cage when it gets dark,” said Laksia. “We never had any problem feeding it. Myna eats whatever we eat. It has always been easy to care for.”

Now that their children are often away because of their studies, Myna and their dog keep them company. “When our children are not around, it’s just the three of us- me, my wife, and Myna,” said Laksia. “Sometimes Myna hides, and we get so worried searching for it. That’s how much it means to us.”

The Murry family also runs a small shop along the highway, where Myna has become a local attraction. “Most of our regular customers ask about Myna before buying anything,” shared Laksia. “Some even come just to see or talk to it. Myna interacts with them playfully, and I think people enjoy that. It’s almost like our shop mascot now,” he shared.

For the Murry family, Myna is not simply a bird but is family. “It has been with us through good days and bad,” said Laksia. “We’ve shared so many memories. Myna is not less than our own child.”