Crested Myna

Acridotheres cristatellus

Least ConcernUncommonInvertebratesGrasslandCavity nestMedium · 116 g

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.

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.

Where it lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

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

When to see it

Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range

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

Learn the Crested Myna for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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