Crested MynaAcridotheres cristatellusJet-black bird with flashing white wing patches and a small, bristly crest just above base of yellow bill. Across much of its range, found in farms, parks, and cities, nesting in buildings and highway signs and foraging in small flocks on median strips and in garbage dumps. The only black myna throughout most of its natural range, but now rare and local on Taiwan. Occasionally mixes with other starlings while roosting and feeding.Sturnidae bird family
Order Passeriformes · 5 selected species
Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.
Crested MynaAcridotheres cristatellusJet-black bird with flashing white wing patches and a small, bristly crest just above base of yellow bill. Across much of its range, found in farms, parks, and cities, nesting in buildings and highway signs and foraging in small flocks on median strips and in garbage dumps. The only black myna throughout most of its natural range, but now rare and local on Taiwan. Occasionally mixes with other starlings while roosting and feeding.
European StarlingSturnus vulgarisStocky and dark overall with short tail and triangular wings. A close look reveals beautiful plumage: in breeding season, look for purple and green iridescence and a yellow bill. In winter, shows extensive white and buffy spots over the entire body. Juveniles are plain grayish-brown; note bill shape. Native to Eurasia; introduced extensively across the globe. Often abundant, gathering in large flocks in open agricultural areas and towns and cities. Makes a variety of squeaky vocalizations, and often mimics other species. Visits feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.European StarlingSturnus vulgarisStocky and dark overall with short tail and triangular wings. A close look reveals beautiful plumage: in breeding season, look for purple and green iridescence and a yellow bill. In winter, shows extensive white and buffy spots over the entire body. Juveniles are plain grayish-brown; note bill shape. Native to Eurasia; introduced extensively across the globe. Often abundant, gathering in large flocks in open agricultural areas and towns and cities. Makes a variety of squeaky vocalizations, and often mimics other species. Visits feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.
Red-winged StarlingOnychognathus morioA large glossy-black starling with a graduated, pointed tail and brick-red windows in the wings that are striking in flight. The male and female have black and gray heads respectively. Pairs and flocks prefer rocky outcrops and gorges, but have adapted to buildings in urban areas; they avoid forests. The species gives a characteristic loud liquid oriole-like “wher-teooo” contact call and other musical whistles and warbles. It is often the default “red-winged” starling within its range, where it is most easily confused with Slender-billed Starling, but the latter’s weaker bill and longer graduated tail identify it.
Superb StarlingLamprotornis superbusA chunky, short-tailed, colorful savanna starling. Note the white chest band, white undertail, and white patch on the underwing, conspicuous in flight. Immatures have a dark eye and lack a breast band, but are usually associated with adults. Found in a variety of dry or moderately moist habitats including savanna, woodland, thorn scrub, and villages, usually in small flocks, sometimes with other species of starlings. Similar to Hildebrandt’s and Shelley’s Starlings, but easily separated by the white breast band. The calls include a variety of scolds and squeals.