Sulawesi Myna Basilornis celebensis Scientific name definitions

25 cm. Distinctive myna, with feathers of forehead, crown and nape directed to central line to form rigid crest. ­Forehead to nape and hindneck are glossy violet-blue; white patch on lower ear-coverts, washed with orange posteriorly; upperparts and underparts black, feather tips with green iridescence, feathers at side of breast white with buff wash; tail black, slightly glossy, wings blackish-brown; iris brown-red; bill pale greenish-blue; legs lemon-yellow. Sexes similar, crest slightly longer on male than on female. Juvenile is chocolate-brown with limited iridescence, paler feathers on underparts producing streaked appearance, no orange wash on white areas of plumage.

Sulawesi, including islands of Lembeh, Muna, Butung and the Togian Is (Batudaka, Togian, Talatakoh and Malenge) (1 Indrawan, M., S. Somadikarta, J. Supriatna, M. D. Bruce, Sunarto and G. Djanubudiman (2006). The birds of the Togian Islands, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Forktail 22:7–22. Close ).

Primary forest and woodland, particularly in hilly areas; reported also from secondary forest, forest edge and clearings. Avoids plantations. Recorded to 1200 m, mostly below 1000 m.

Apparently resident; presumably moves locally in response to fruiting cycles of trees.

Omnivorous; diet includes fruit and animal matter; estimated proportions 44% fruit, 52% invertebrates, 4% small vertebrates. Flocks feed in upper branches with other frugivores, including Enodes erythrophris.

Calls of several types, described as whistles, squeaks, grunts and warbles; some high-pitched, others prolonged nasal notes.

No published information.

Not globally threatened. Restricted range species: present in Sulawesi EBA. Numerical status uncertain; considered variously as the rarest of the Sulawesi starlings and, conversely, not uncommon. In recent surveys, found to be relatively uncommon in primary forest, very infrequent in secondary forest and modified habitats, and absent from plantations. Occurs in Dumoga-Bone National Park.