Ampeliceps coronatus
The Golden-crested Myna (Ampeliceps coronatus) is a spectacularly plumaged member of the starling family (Sturnidae), renowned for its vibrant head ornamentation. Averaging 21-23 cm (8.3-9.1 inches) in length, its body is entirely covered in glossy, iridescent black plumage, contrasting sharply with its brilliant golden-yellow head. Males boast an extensive, shaggy crest that covers the entire crown and nape, while females possess a smaller, less pronounced crest confined mostly to the forecr...
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist lowland broadleaf forests, it favors the canopy and mid-story, often along forest edges or clearings. It typically occurs at elevations from sea level up to around 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of soft fruits; also supplements its diet with insects and nectar, foraging mainly in the forest canopy.
Golden-crested Mynas are diurnal and primarily arboreal, rarely descending to the ground. They forage actively in the canopy, often in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, but they also glean insects and consume necta...
The Golden-crested Myna boasts a widespread but somewhat disjunct distribution across Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent. Its breeding range extends from northeastern India (including states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur), Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, eastw...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'Ampeliceps' roughly translates to 'grape-headed' or 'vine-headed,' a poetic nod to its striking golden crest. - It is the sole species in its genus, making it a unique evolutionary branch within the Sturnidae family. - The male's extensive, shaggy golden crest is one of the...