Crested Myna

Acridotheres cristatellus formosanus

Endemic Subspecies

The Crested Myna is a medium-sized (26 cm) glossy black bird with a whitish bill, yellowish orange legs and a distinct black crest at the base of the upper mandible.  The tail is finely tipped white, there is a white patch in the wing formed by the white bases of the primaries, and the undertail coverts are barred black and white.  The iris is reddish brown.  The differences between the Taiwan and mainland subspecies are subtle and probably not distinguishable in the field.

The Crested Myna is found in open areas at low elevations such as farmlands, villages, open fields and gardens.  It is usually seen in flocks, strutting on the ground or foraging in fields, often in the presence of cattle.  A noisy bird, the Crested Myna produces liquid gurgles, screeches and whistles, and is a good mimic.  It feeds on fruits, insects and other invertebrates.  The Crested Myna is a common resident of Taiwan.

References:  A Field Guide to the Birds of China (Mackinnon and Phillipps); 100 Common Birds of Taiwan (Wild Bird Society of Taipei); N. J. Collar, “Endemic subspecies of Taiwan birds—first impressions”, in Birding ASIA, Number 2, December 2004