Crested Myna

Overview

The crested myna (Acridotheres cristatellus), also known as the Chinese starling, is a species of starling native to southeastern China and Indochina. It is characterised by a tuft of feathers on its forehead that resembles a crest and is currently rated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Mostly black plumage with a slight green sheen, featuring white patches under the wings and on the tips of the primaries and tail feathers.
• A slender, very sharp bill that is pale yellow in adults, contrasting with dull dark yellow legs.
• Orange eyes in adults, with a prominent crest of feathers covering the nostrils, which is less developed in females and immature birds.

Habitat

This species inhabits a wide range of open spaces, from urban environments such as gardens, parks, and building eaves to rural areas like agricultural fields, orchards, and forest edges. Its natural range spans southeastern and central China, including the Yangtze valley and Hainan Island, extending to northern Indochina, Burma, and Taiwan.

Diet

As an omnivore, the crested myna feeds on insects, fruit, grains, and even garbage, with its diet shifting seasonally to include more flies in autumn and more waste in winter. Juveniles consume a higher proportion of animal matter compared to adults, while the species is beneficial to farmers as it preys on insects without attacking crops.

Did you know?

Although crested mynas in the wild are capable of vocal mimicry, birds held in captivity have not been found to be good mimics. The species has also established introduced populations in distant locations such as Portugal, Singapore, and Argentina, despite being banned as an invasive alien species in the European Union.