Crested Myna

Acridotheres cristatellus

Least Concern · IUCN Red List

LCLeast ConcernInvertebratesGrasslandCavity nestMedium · 116 g

ID tip

The crested myna is named after the tuft of feathers that form a crest-like structure on its forehead that covers the bird's nostrils. It is mostly black with a slight green sheen. It has a couple of white wing patches under its wings which are more visible during flight. The tips and the base of the primaries are white. The tail feathers also have white tips with the exception of the middle pair. The under-tail coverts are black with a white tip. The adult's eyes are orange, its bill is pale yellow, and its legs are a dull dark yellow. Its bill is slender and very sharp. Voice: The crested myna has a wide array of songs and calls, from whistles to warbles to chortles. When alarmed, it emits a raspy jaaay. Other calls include a series of chuffs or creeks. Vocal mimicry of human voices and other yard birds in crested mynas has been reported. However, birds held in captivity were not found to be good mimics.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Crested Myna

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is April, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Crested Myna

Regular rangeRare visitor

The map shades 15 countries with regular records, and 5 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Spain, Belgium, Indonesia, Thailand.

About the Crested Myna

The crested myna, also known as the Chinese starling, is a species of starling in the genus Acridotheres native to southeastern China and Indochina. It is named after the tuft of feathers on its forehead that resembles a crest.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Side by side: Common Myna vs Crested Myna · Crested Myna vs Javan Myna · Crested Myna vs Jungle Myna · Crested Myna vs Great Myna · Bank Myna vs Crested Myna

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