“The Black-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus atriceps caecilii) is always delightful to see as it is, of the common jungle bulbuls, an unusually coloured bulbul (apart from the highland Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus caecilii). However, taking pictures is not easy as it prefers the higher canopy and is generally shy.

“It is reasonably common in all the lowland forest reserves around my city (Ipoh) and often in flocks of 5-7 birds. Most of the time you will hear its definitive ‘chirp’ with many replies and repeats. The intensity increases with anxiety as you approach them.

“Was fortunate to come across a fruiting Ficus benjamina with ‘swarms’ of various bulbuls and many Black-headed Bulbuls (possibly numbering 15-20 – hard for accurate estimates as a lot of coming and going). Watched over three visits, on 9th, 12th and 14th February 2010.

“The bird swallows the fruit whole (above). Occasionally have seen some birds struggling when the fruit is larger and have to make a couple of attempts to swallow. Another way to capture the fruit is to flutter until they find a ripe one, then snatch it in midair (below). Not an uncommon method used.

“The bulbul will also hunt for spiders and other insects.

“Although the head, throat and nape are described as ‘black, glossed bottle green’ (Wells, 2007), I have often seen a metallic blue sheen to the feathers. Most notable at the nape and throat.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
February 2010

Reference:
Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.

“Three Ashy Minivets (Pericrocotus divaricatus divaricatus) as part of a mixed foraging party of a pair of Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis atrogularis), Olive-winged Bulbuls (Pycnonotus plumosus plumosus), and others (got distracted by Miniverts and missed the rest - possibly Crimson and Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds and Green Ioras).

“The three Ashy Minivets were all of immature plumage (first winter or moulting females) (above left). They moved off from the rest of the group and allowed close viewing. Were foraging intently for caterpillars and other insects (above right). All three were feeding independently.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh
Perak, Malaysia
9th February 2010

“I have been watching crows harvesting chicks from the date palm trees around my condo. The palm trees are pretty unprotected and the crows make a round every week or so, often managing to leave with a chick in beak.

“I managed to chase away a crow that was trying to snatch a chick from a Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis) that nested in a date palm tree just outside my window (left). After being chased away, it never returned and the chicks fledged successfully.

“It appears that the crows have a fixed route of locations that they visit and they only make a visit approximately once a week.

“Wonder if anyone has similar observations.”

Jeremy Lee
Singapore
9th February 2010

“Was at the BOH tea estate, 1600 m a.s.l. at Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands on 2nd September 2008 watching birds when saw this lovely male White-browed Shrike Babbler (Pteruthius flaviscapis cameranoi) (quite friendly). Got lots of shots, but not always in focus, as he was hoping about in the trees. It was only in retrospect when I checked shots that I saw I had captured a ‘hop’. Please note that he is ‘hopping’ backwards off the branch onto another branch (and not forwards onto the branch) (above).

“I remembere that I had a poorer shot of a female also leaping off near the peak of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, 2,032 m on 31st March 2008.

“This bird is very localised and I have seen it and the male at this same site three out the past four visits.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Perak, Malaysia
2nd September 2008

“This pair of Blue-tailed Bee-eaters (Merops philippinus philippinus) was hawking for insects from this branch. It was interesting to note the behaviour of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater on the right. As the partner/friend flew in with a catch, it began to “wag the tail” and get all fluffed up in anticipation. It then continued the ”wagging” and seemed to “beg” for a bite/to eat the prey. Only when it was sure that it was not going to be fed did it return to usual behaviour.

“Not sure if this is a juvenile who has recently become an adult or just a mate expecting a feed.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ex-mining pools around Gua Tempurung
Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
29th December 2009

Note: Maybe the bird on the right is a female expecting to be fed in courtship? And maybe the priority of male was more to eat than to mate?