Pronunciation: [mˈɔ͡ɪnə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Moyna" is unique and may be difficult to pronounce for those unfamiliar with it. It is pronounced as /ˈmɔɪ.nə/, with the first syllable sounding like "moy" and the second syllable sounding like "na." The "y" in the first syllable represents the sound "oy" and the second syllable has the usual short "i" vowel sound. This word is often used as a girl's name and originates from Irish and Gaelic cultures.
Moyna refers to the white-winged black tern, scientifically known as Chlidonias leucopterus. It is a small migratory bird species that belongs to the family of terns and seagulls, Laridae. The moyna is primarily found in the northern hemisphere, breeding in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, and wintering in Africa and Australasia.
Size-wise, the moyna measures approximately 22-25 centimeters in length and has a wingspan of around 59-78 centimeters. It is recognized for its elegant appearance, with a striking contrast of black and white plumage. The upperparts and wings are predominately black, while the underparts and tail are white. During the breeding season, the moyna develops a greyish-white crescent shape on its back.
These birds predominantly inhabit freshwater environments such as marshes, ponds, and lakes. They are agile flyers and adept divers. Their diet mainly consists of aquatic insects, small fish, and amphibians. They often hover above water bodies, performing brief dives to catch their prey.
Moynas form monogamous breeding pairs during the breeding season, which occurs from April to August. They construct shallow nests made of aquatic plants that float on the water's surface or are attached to vegetation. Females typically lay 2-4 eggs, which are then incubated by both parents for about three weeks. After hatching, the parents jointly care for the chicks until they fledge.
Due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, the moyna population has faced some threats. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the conservation of this beautiful bird species and its crucial role in the ecosystem.
The etymology of the word "Moyna" is not entirely clear and appears to have different origins depending on the context or language.
In the English language, "Moyna" is primarily known as a given name or a surname. It is believed to be of Irish or Gaelic origin, derived from the Irish name "Móen" or "Maonsa" which means "mild" or "gentle". It may also be a variant of the name "Mona" which means "noble" or "wealthy" in Irish.
In Bengali, "Moyna" refers to a species of mynah bird, commonly known as the hill myna. The word "Moyna" originates from the Sanskrit term "mynah" or "maina", which also denotes a type of bird.
