Crested Myna

Characterized by its predominantly glossy black plumage that displays subtle greenish or bluish iridescence under direct sunlight, this medium-sized passerine is easily recognized. It features a distinctive, erectile forehead crest situated at the base of its bill, which gives the species its common name. In flight, dramatic white wing patches become highly visible, creating a striking contrast against the dark wings. The bill is robust, colored ivory-yellow to cream with a reddish-pink base, while its irises are bright yellow to orange, and its sturdy legs are a dull yellowish-orange. Adults measure between 9.8 to 10.6 inches (25 to 27 centimeters) in length and weigh approximately 110 to 140 grams. Juvenile specimens display a browner, duller plumage and lack the prominent forehead crest characteristic of mature individuals.

Geographical distribution: Native to eastern Asia, this species naturally ranges across southern and central China, Taiwan, Hainan, and northern Indochina, including parts of Vietnam and Laos. However, due to accidental escapes and the pet trade, it has successfully established breeding populations as an invasive exotic species in several global regions. Established colonies exist in Argentina (particularly around the Buenos Aires metropolitan area), Uruguay, the Philippines, Japan, and previously in western Canada (Vancouver area), alongside sporadic sightings in several western European countries.

Habitat: Thrives primarily in highly anthropized landscapes and open habitats. It is frequently observed in agricultural lands, pastures, orchards, urban parks, suburban gardens, and along highway margins. The species actively avoids deep, dense forests and continuous woodlands, showing a strong preference for environments where human activities have modified the original landscape, which facilitates its foraging success.

Feeding: Exhibits a highly opportunistic and omnivorous diet. It feeds on a diverse range of invertebrates, including beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and earthworms. It supplements this diet with vegetative matter such as wild fruits, seeds, nectar, and various agricultural crops. In urbanized centers, it exploits human organic waste and food scraps from refuse piles, demonstrating exceptional ecological plasticity in utilizing temporary food resources.

Behavior: Highly gregarious, this species regularly aggregates in large flocks that gather in massive communal roosts located in urban trees or artificial structures at dusk. It is extremely vocal, possessing a complex repertoire of clear whistles, harsh chattering, and a remarkable ability to mimic environmental sounds, including the calls of other bird species. On the ground, it walks with an upright, confident gait rather than hopping, and frequently associates with foraging livestock to capture insects disturbed by the movement of the cattle.

Nesting: Utilizes a cavity-nesting strategy, exploiting tree hollows, crevices in buildings, bridges, utility poles, and artificial nest boxes. The nest is a messy structure constructed by both partners using fine twigs, dry grass, leaves, feathers, and often anthropogenic debris like plastic or shed snake skins. The female typically lays 3 to 6 pale blue-green eggs. Both parents share incubation duties for approximately 14 days, as well as feeding responsibilities, with the young fledging at about 21 to 28 days after hatching; pairs often raise two clutches per breeding season.

Conservation status: Listed globally on the IUCN Red List under the category of Least Concern (LC), reflecting its vast native distribution and stable or increasing population trends globally. However, in regions where it has been introduced, it is classified as a high-risk invasive alien species because it aggressively outcompetes native cavity-nesting birds for nesting sites and can damage fruit crops or transmit avian diseases.