Crested Myna
Place to admire: Tropical Paradise
Scientific name: Acridotheres cristatellus
IUCN-status: Least concern
Habitat
The Crested Myna lives in China, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. This bird species has been introduced to Japan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Portugal and the Philippines. In these areas, the Crested Myna is found in subtropical and tropical grasslands. These are seasonally wet or flooded. In addition, the Crested Myna lives in man-made areas such as arable lands, grasslands, gardens in outlying areas and in urban settings.
Appearance
The Crested Myna has a size of 25 centimeters, weighing 108 to 140 grams. This bird species is notable for its forehead crest. In fact, on the head are elongated forehead feathers, which point toward the midline. As a result, the Crested Myna has a magnificent forehead crest.
The plumage contains a black color. Some of the outer flight feathers turn white. In fresh plumage, the Crested Myna has narrow and white tips on the tail feathers. The bill colors ivory white, with a pale pink spot at the base of the lower jaw.
Diet
The Crested Myna is known as an omnivore. This means that this bird species eats both plant and animal matter.
The plant diet consists of plant seeds, fruits and berries. For example, this bird species feeds on cherries, splendid raspberries, blackberries, apples, bananas and figs.
The animal diet consists of Insects and invertebrates. For example, this bird species eats Ants, Termites, Butterflies and larvae of Long-legged Mosquitoes. In addition, this bird species preys on Fish, carcasses of dead animals and human waste.
Natural behavior
In the wild, this bird species roosts in large nocturnal roosting sites (roosts) consisting of trees or reed beds. The roosting site is sometimes shared by the Crested Myna with other Birds, but there is then some distance between them.
Its roles in nature
In the wild, the Crested Myna plays an important role regarding various ecological processes. For example, this bird species takes care of seed dispersal. It often feeds on fruits and berries. The seeds of these in turn are dispersed through its droppings. This contributes to the recovery and spread of plants in the habitat. This maintains a healthy ecosystem and encourages biodiversity.
In addition, the Crested Myna eats Insects and other invertebrates, preventing harmful pests such as Grasshoppers and caterpillars. By providing natural pest control, the Crested Myna helps maintain the balance of the ecosystem and also protects agricultural crops.
The Crested Myna is part of the food chain. This bird species hunts Insects and other invertebrates. In addition, larger predators such as birds of prey forage on the Crested Myna. The presence of the Crested Myna in its natural habitat helps sustain predators, contributing to the ecological balance of the habitat.