Apo Myna: funky or punk-y?

This is the funky (or punk-y)- looking Mindanao endemic Apo Myna. It is found in the high elevation forests of Mindanao island, most commonly reported in popular birdwatching sites like the Mt. Kitanglad mountain range. It is one of the two endemic starlings** here in the Philippines (the other one is as funky or punk-y looking as well, see the bald Coleto here). Its very distinct, unique crest and the large bright yellow bare skin around the eye makes it one of the most-sought after species birders seek in the Mindanao. It prefers to perch on top of dead branches and feed on fruits and insects. It usually flies and moves in flocks while doing its distinctive tinkling, metallic notes. ** Depending on the taxonomy, as some authors would like to lump the Philippines' endemic family - the Rhabdornises to the starlings Apo Myna, Basilornis miranda November 2011 and January 2012, Mt. Kitanglad Range National Park, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.