Malaysian birds - Crested Mynas

The Crested Myna.

Size & diagnostic markings:- 27 cm. The bird appears fatter than most Mynas despite of having the same overall length of 27 cm, Body color -fully black with a good amount of gloss Head & Crown -uniformly black same as the body Bill- Bill ivory white, with rosy red flesh at the base. Eyes - Pale orange eyes. Others - Most prominent and also its diagnostic marking would be the full short crest.

Distribution :- This is a bird of Central and southern China, spread over to the Taiwan Island.

In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:- The bird was seen only in Penang. Perhaps only 3 birds on record when I started watching birds in 1998. Today, it is rated that bird is feral in Penang. As for its population, the frequency and numbers sighted are coming close to that of the Common Mynas. No report encountered about the bird spreading over to the mainland.

This bird is again cannot be mistaken. The thick bushy crest above the beak. Perhaps difficult for beginners as to the size of the crest, big, bigger or larger! Look properly. It is unusually chunkier and thick, while the rest of the Mynas are having a ceremonious tuft. Though not a common bird, my feeling for this bird is somewhat different. It is just another "common" Myna while I saw them in Penang. It is still a rare bird in Malaysia and I should tap on the opportunity to have more pictures of them taken. For the seasoned bird watcher, The Crested Myna has darker color and heavy tuft, this bird is also appears more heavily built.

Crested Myna picture# 1