Long-crested Myna

Basilornis corythaix

A glossy-black starling with a unique, tall, permanently raised vertical crest. Also note the separate whitish markings on the sides of the breast and cheeks, and the pale skin around the eye. Occurs in forest and wooded areas of the lowlands and hills, where usually encountered in pairs or small groups in the canopy. Silhouette makes it unmistakable in its very limited range on the island of Seram. Calls include raucous, screeching “weet” notes; softer, well spaced piping notes; metallic “plink” notes; and “yee-ow” phrases.

Identification

The long-crested myna (Basilornis corythaix) is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is endemic to Seram Island. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

Taxonomy

Genus: Basilornis; Family: Sturnidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Basilornis corythaix
Authority
(Wagler, 1827)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Sturnidae
Genus
Basilornis

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

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Compact songbird with short bill. Males in much of range are olive above, yellow below, with white throat set in black head; males and females on Norfolk Island are olive-brown with yellowish underparts (brightest on undertail). Females vary across range, with eastern birds having some amount of yellow on the underparts and western birds (formerly treated as full species, “Western Whistler”) being gray-brown above and pale below, lacking yellow. Olive Whistler much browner below, with well-defined whitish bib. Inhabits a great variety of habitats. Bright, whistled song varies, but often has a whip-like ending.

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