Acridotheres cristatellus
The Crested Myna, *Acridotheres cristatellus*, is a robust, medium-sized passerine of the starling family (Sturnidae), typically measuring 25-27 cm in length with a wingspan of 40-44 cm and weighing around 80-130 g. Its striking appearance is characterized by glossy black plumage, a prominent erectile frontal crest of velvety feathers above its bright orange-yellow bill, and vivid white patches at the base of its primary flight feathers, highly visible in flight. The legs are also a bright ye...
Primarily found in open or semi-open habitats, including cultivated fields, grasslands, parks, agricultural areas, and urban and suburban environments, often near human habitation. They generally prefer low to moderate elevations from sea level up to about 2,000 meters.
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates, as well as fruits, seeds, grains, and human food scraps. They mostly forage on the ground or in low vegetation.
Crested Mynas are highly diurnal and exceptionally social birds, often observed foraging in small groups and forming large, noisy communal roosts at night, sometimes numbering in the thousands, especially outside the breeding season. Their foraging strategy involves walking deliberately on the gr...
The native range of the Crested Myna spans a wide area of East and Southeast Asia, primarily encompassing central and southern China, Taiwan, northern Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), and Myanmar. Within this native range, they are largely resident, showing only localized dispersive movements...
Least Concern
- The Crested Myna is a renowned mimic, capable of imitating a wide array of sounds from other birds, mammals, and even human speech, earning it the nickname 'talking bird' in some cultures. - Despite their glossy black appearance, their striking yellow bill and legs, combined with the prominent ...