4-1-2016 HONG KONG - WHITE NECKED MYNA (Streptocitta albicollis)

The white-necked myna (Streptocitta albicollis ) is a large, long-tailed species of starling in the family Sturnidae. Due to its superficial resemblance to a magpie, it has been referred to as the Celebes magpie or Sulawesi magpie in the past. It is endemic to forests on Sulawesi and adjacent smaller islands in Indonesia. There are two subspecies: the nominate from the southern part of Sulawesi has a yellow-tipped bill, and torquata from the northern part of the island has an all-black bill.

An unmistakable long-tailed, black-and-white myna. Black except for broad white breast band and collar. South Sulawesi form has a pale-tipped bill; in north, bill is entirely dark. Juveniles less glossy and shorter-tailed than adults. Found in pairs or small groups in canopy of forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills. Often perches out on prominent dead branches. Restricted to Sulawesi, satellite islands, and Togian Islands. Gives a variety of odd calls, including high-pitched piercing “keer,” soft low-pitched “kyop,” and other whistles and metallic notes.