Crested myna

Crested mynh

Acridotheres cristatellus

Common name:

Crested mynh

Scientific name:

Acridotheres cristatellus

Alternative common names:


Description:

The crested myna is a songbird from Southeast China and northern Indochina that usually colonises urban and agricultural habitats. It imitates the calls of other birds. It often walks on the ground, foraging for food. It is an aggressive and confident bird.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Southeast China and Indochina.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 2.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State, North West and Northern Cape.

How does it spread?

Humans are responsible for the spread of this bird species through pet trade.

Why is it a problem?

It could potentially compete with a large range of indigenous species for food and can also cause severe damage to agricultural crops.

What does it look like?

Description: A chunky, robin-sized bird, all black with a prominent bushy crest. In flight, a large white patch on each wing and white tail tip are visible. The eyes, beak and feet are yellow. It has orange skin around the eyes and heavy, dark wattles.

Habitat: The crested myna is found in urban parks and gardens, harbours, arable land, rice fields, pastures, wet grasslands and along forest edges.

Breeding: Crested mynas breed from April-June. They nest in a variety of cavities and the nest consists of a loose collection of sticks, leaves, paper and other rubbish. The female lays 4-7 glossy green-blue eggs, which are incubated by both sexes for 14-15 days. The chicks fledge 21-30 days after hatching. Each pair can raise 1-2 broods per year.

Leave a Reply