Species Profile
Crested Myna
Acridotheres cristatellus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Chinese Starling
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Appearance
The Crested Myna is a striking bird with glossy black plumage covering most of its body. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent crest of feathers on its forehead, giving it a mohawk-like appearance. The bird has a bright yellow beak and legs, contrasting sharply with its dark body.
White patches on the wings become visible during flight, and a small white patch can be seen at the base of the tail. Both males and females look similar, although males tend to be larger, and females have less pronounced crests. Juveniles appear duller and also have a less pronounced crest.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Yellow
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Native to parts of Southeast Asia, including southern China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam, the Crested Myna inhabits a range of environments. They are commonly found in open woodlands, cultivated areas, and urban settings, showing a remarkable ability to adapt to human-modified landscapes.
While primarily resident in their native range, Crested Mynas have been introduced to various locations worldwide, including parts of North America (now thought to be extinct), Japan, and some Pacific islands. In these areas, they have established breeding populations, often in urban and suburban environments.
Distribution
Diet
Crested Mynas are omnivorous, with a diet consisting of insects, fruits, and seeds. They are opportunistic feeders, often seen foraging on the ground for invertebrates or picking fruits from trees.
In urban areas, they may also scavenge for human food scraps, demonstrating their adaptability to various food sources.
Behaviour
Crested Mynas are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They have a confident, upright posture when walking on the ground, frequently bobbing their heads.
These birds are known for their adaptability. They thrive in urban environments, foraging for food in parks, gardens, and even near human habitations.
Calls & Sounds
Crested Mynas are known for their varied and complex vocalisations. Their repertoire includes whistles, chatters, and warbles, often mimicking other bird species and even human-made sounds.
Their calls can be described as a mix of melodious notes and harsher, more grating sounds, sometimes resembling a 'kree-kree' or 'chee-chee' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Crested Mynas typically breed between March and August, with some variation depending on location. They form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting sites year after year. These birds are cavity nesters, utilising tree holes, building crevices, or nest boxes.
The nest is constructed with a variety of materials, including grass, leaves, and feathers. Females usually lay 4-5 pale blue eggs, which both parents incubate for about 13-14 days. The eggs are oval-shaped and have a smooth, slightly glossy surface.
After hatching, both parents care for the chicks, which fledge after approximately 22-24 days. The young birds may remain with their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest, learning essential foraging skills.
Conservation
The Crested Myna is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population.
However, in some areas where it has been introduced, such as Vancouver, Canada, efforts have been made to control its population to protect native bird species. Habitat loss in its native range remains a potential concern.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Crested Mynas in urban parks, gardens, and agricultural areas
- Listen for their distinctive calls, which include whistles and chattering sounds
- Observe their behaviour near fruiting trees or in open grassy areas where they forage
- Watch for their characteristic head-bobbing walk on the ground
Did You Know?
- Crested Mynas are excellent mimics and can imitate a wide range of sounds, including other bird calls and human noises.
- They have been observed using tools, such as twigs, to probe for insects in tree bark.
- In some cultures, Crested Mynas are kept as pets due to their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech.
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