Crested Myna illustration
Birdsong field guide

Crested Myna

Acridotheres cristatellus

The Crested Myna is a social, medium-sized member of the starling family recognized by its prominent frontal crest and bold white wing patches.

What it sounds like

A varied and loud repertoire of clear whistles, gurgles, and harsh metallic chatters.

Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Rec. Bo Shunqi 薄顺奇 · ChinaCC BY-NC-SAXeno-canto

Field notes

  • Features a distinctive tuft of feathers at the base of the bill that gives the bird its name.
  • An accomplished mimic capable of imitating various environmental sounds and other bird species.
  • Displays conspicuous white patches on the primary wing feathers that are highly visible during flight.
  • Once established a significant non-native population in Vancouver, Canada, which persisted for nearly a century before declining.
  • Highly gregarious birds that often form large communal roosts in urban or agricultural settings.
Habitat
Open lowlands, agricultural fields, urban gardens, and city parks.
Range
Native to Southern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia; introduced to the Philippines and formerly North America.

Similar & commonly confused birds

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