Fifty Common Birds of China 



(7) CRESTED MYNAHr (Fig. 9) 

 Acridotlteres cristatellus. Length 9 inches. 



Bill and tarsus yellow. Iris red. 



Plumage. Entire plumage uniformly black, except for a broad white 

 bar across the wings, on the under side, and white tips to lower 

 tJl coverts and outer tail quills. The white shows only while in 

 flight, when it is very noticeable. A tuft of fea<:hers arising from the 

 base of the bill gives the birds its crested appearance. 



Characteristics, Very common ia South China, where it is often 

 seen on 1ihe backs of the water buffaloes, or close at their heels, picking 

 up the it^cts frightened up by the animals. They are also fond of fol- 

 lowing a plow for the grubs and insects turned up. 



Distribution. Central and Southern China to the Philippine Islands. 



Nest and Eggs. Nest is placed in the natural cavity of a tree, a 

 hole in the wall, or in the abandoned nest of a magpie. It is composed 

 of grasses, green leaves plucked from trees, feathers, and other soft 

 materials. 



(9) II 11 {% X m) 



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(30 



