Crested Myna vs. Black Myna: Intelligence and Talking Ability Compared

Both Crested Mynas and Black Mynas are intelligent birds, but when it comes to talking ability, Black Mynas generally outperform Crested Mynas. Well-cared-for Black Mynas can quickly learn to recite poetry and develop extensive vocabularies. Crested Mynas, on the other hand, typically learn words and short phrases, often repeating them repetitively, which can be tiresome to hear.

Black Mynas possess a melodious and resonant song, and they are adept at mimicking the calls of other birds. Their quick learning and good memory allow them to pick up simple songs, making them a popular choice as pets. However, they can be aloof, often not easily allowing physical contact, and their activity level is somewhat lower. They may also be prone to fighting with other mynas and aren't always particularly vocal or affectionate with their owners. Despite this, they excel at learning to speak and sing; with only a few exceptions, Black Mynas are highly skilled mimics. Training for speech can begin when young Black Mynas are around three to four months old, when they've reached the midpoint of their molting period. The teaching should progress gradually, from simple to more complex words and phrases. Interestingly, a Black Myna's intelligence can be influenced by the color of its feet, with yellow-footed Black Mynas often proving more responsive and capable of learning more rapidly and remembering more. Black Mynas are also relatively easy to care for, making them adaptable to a variety of conditions.

Crested Mynas are known for their plumage which usually incorporates a mix of black, white, and brown streaking. They are generally more people-oriented than Black Mynas, exhibiting a friendlier attitude not only towards their owners but also to strangers, although this is a general tendency. Crested Mynas are highly energetic and vocal, often making quite a lot of noise which can be disruptive to people around them. They tend to sing incessantly, displaying a state of constant over-excitement. Their ability to learn to speak is generally inferior to Black Mynas, which is something that is largely genetically predisposed. Crested Mynas often learn single words and short phrases that are repeated indiscriminately which can quickly become irritating. Crested Mynas also tend to produce more droppings than their counterparts, which means their living areas require more frequent cleaning.

Both Crested and Black Mynas are protected species. Due to their capacity to learn human speech, recite poems, and their attractive appearance, they are highly valued in the market, leading to increased demand. However, excessive and illegal capture by unscrupulous individuals has led to their protected status in many regions. Both types of mynas have strong territorial instincts, and housing two together in the same cage is strongly discouraged. It's vital to offer them plenty of companionship, provide them with soft foods, and begin speech training early on during their juvenile stage. Consistent and engaging interaction is the best way to bring the best out of either type of Myna, and will allow them to develop their language capabilities.Learn more:Pet Grooming