Golden-crested myna
Quick facts for kids Golden-crested myna |
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| Genus: |
Ampeliceps
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| Species: |
coronatus
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The golden-crested myna (Ampeliceps coronatus) is a very special bird. It belongs to the starling and myna family, called Sturnidae. These birds are known for their beautiful colors and often for being quite chatty! You can find the golden-crested myna living in parts of Asia, from north-eastern India all the way through a region called Indochina. Some have even been introduced to the British Indian Ocean Territory. They love to live in warm, wet forests, especially those in low-lying areas. Sometimes, they can even be seen in forests that have changed a lot because of human activity.
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The Golden-Crested Myna: A Bright Bird
The golden-crested myna is a truly eye-catching bird. It gets its name from the bright, sunny yellow feathers on its head, which look like a fancy crown! This bird was first described by a scientist named Edward Blyth in 1842.
What Do Golden-Crested Mynas Look Like?
Imagine a bird with a mostly shiny black body. Then, picture a vibrant yellow patch on its forehead and a crest of yellow feathers on top of its head. This is the golden-crested myna! It also has a bright yellow beak and yellow skin around its eyes. Its legs are a yellowish-orange color. These birds are medium-sized, usually growing to about 20-23 centimeters (8-9 inches) long. Their striking colors help them stand out in the green forest.
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Where Do Golden-Crested Mynas Live?
Golden-crested mynas call the warm, humid regions of Southeast Asia their home. You can find them in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They also live in parts of north-eastern India. These birds prefer subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. This means they like forests that are warm all year round and get a lot of rain. They often live near rivers or in areas with tall trees. Even if a forest has been changed a bit by people, these adaptable birds can sometimes still thrive there.
What Do Golden-Crested Mynas Eat?
Golden-crested mynas are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, especially berries. They also enjoy eating insects, which they find by searching through leaves and branches. Sometimes, they might even sip nectar from flowers. This varied diet helps them get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active.
How Do Golden-Crested Mynas Reproduce?
Like many birds, golden-crested mynas build nests to lay their eggs. They often choose holes in trees for their nests, making them safe places for their young. The female myna usually lays a few eggs, which are often pale blue or greenish with brown spots. Both parents help to incubate the eggs, keeping them warm until they hatch. Once the chicks hatch, both parents work together to feed them until they are old enough to fly and find food on their own. This process ensures the next generation of golden-crested mynas can grow up strong.
Are Golden-Crested Mynas in Danger?
The good news is that the golden-crested myna is currently listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN. This means that, for now, their population is stable and they are not considered to be at high risk of extinction. However, it's always important to protect their forest homes to make sure these beautiful birds continue to thrive for many years to come. Protecting forests helps all the animals and plants that live there.
