“Although I try to get opportunities to go out to watch birds, often our home is full of action and drama. Currently a number are nesting or have young in the garden – the Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier analis) have two young, the Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum cruentatum) are nesting in the Tamarind tree, the Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica longicaudata) have built another nest in the Cinnamon tree and have eggs, Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis strigata) are feeding their young also in the Tamarind tree.

“In the past week I have noted three episodes of angry and frantic calls involving all the chaps above and also the Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis). Each time it is because a male or female Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus malayanus) has turned up in the Tamarind or Cinnamon tree (left top). Everyone would gang up together to shout out their displeasure and some would even try to dislodge the Asian Koels by flying at them, especially the Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) who are very concerned about their nest (left middle, with inset showing its ruffled feathers). It is amazing to see the cooperation, a small Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum) working with the fantails, the Yellow-vented Bulbuls (left bottom, showing the raised crest), etc. A surprise was the involvement of the starlings.

“Like the birds who seem to know that Asian Koels are parasitic, I have no love for them and will assist in showing displeasure. Although Asian Koels are supposed to brood parasite the Jungle Crow (Corvus levaillantii) and House Crow (Corvus splendens), in Southern Thailand and Malaysian Peninsula, Koels are stated to have shifted host from crows to mynas (Payne, RB 2005. The Cuckoos. Oxford University Press). I have seen them check out the nest of many other birds but have yet to see them use them.

“Note: I only really notice Koels in any number in my city in 1991. In the past 20 years they have been extremely common. The House Crow on the other hand has only been noticeable in the city in the past seven years and even now are not large in number in the city.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Canning Garden Home, Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia
18-26th February 2010

“This male Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis atrogularis) and I have met many times at the same location – he occupies an area of about 1.5 km radius at this particular spot in the forest reserve (could be my fancy but never fail to meet him and birds tend to be rather localised/territorial).

“I had been watching some birds feeding in a ficus tree and turned to find him immediately on my left. I startled him briefly and he gave a series of concerned calls. Allowed me to takes some close up pictures, with him all fluffed up and concerned. Then want back to his usual behaviour, preening & foraging.

“As I watched, I discovered he was looking after a juvenile, hence the concern at my close presence. Generally a very friendly bird who allows close observation.”

An audio recording of his ‘concern’ call can be heard HERE.

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

Dr Eric Tan a.k.a. MountainMan photographed the Green Junglefowl (Gallus varius) at the Bali Barat National Park in Bali, Indonesia on 22nd January 2010.

This handsome junglefowl is confined to Java and the neighbouring islands of Lesser Sundas E to Flores, Sumba and Alor. Although not globally threatened, because the bird is commonly found around human settlements, especially in the heavily populated areas of Java, the long term survival of the species is in question. This junglefowl is overexploited as it is trapped for the pet trade, the male being prized for vocal competitions. Also, there is much hybridisation with the domestic fowl.

The male Green Junglefowl is instantly recognised by his differently coloured scaled plumage and the multicoloured comb and hackles. Another conspicuous feature is the presence of spurs, found only in the males (above: right leg).

Very little is known about its food and feeding habits, although it is known that these birds take insects and weed seeds. Again, its breeding behaviour is generally unknown.

Reference:
McGowan, P. J. K., 1994. Family Phasianidae (Pheasants and Partridges). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. eds. Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 2. New world vultures to guineafowl. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 434-552.

This post is a cooperative effort between NaturePixels.org and BESG to bring the study of bird behaviour through photography to a wider audience.

“Had the opportunity to see three different woodpeckers foraging in the same immediate locality at the same time - a pair of Rufous Woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus squamigularis), a pair of Crimson-winged Woodpecker (Picus puniceus observandus) and one female Buff-rumped Woodpecker (Meiglyptes tristis grammithorax).

“This was in a durian (Durio zibethinus) orchard with partial secondary forest surrounding it and primary jungle further in. Lots of good extended views with limited photograph quality. Could have used flash but was having such a good time just watching them over 30-40 minutes that did not want to frighten them.

“The Rufous Woodpeckers were a pair (above: male left, female right). Although they foraged on the tree trunks of the durian trees, they also spent quite a bit of time in low bushes covered with creepers and appeared to be searching for insects. Even on the trunks not much drumming for food, more ‘surface gleaning’. Male recognised by dark red just below the eyes.

“The pair of Crimson-winged Woodpeckers were both male (above left). They were calling out to each other as they moved from tree to tree foraging. They aggressively hit on the tree trunks for food. The Buff-rumped Woodpecker was a female (above right).”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Burmese Pool Trail, Taiping
Perak, Malaysia
30th December 2009

Note: In an e-mail to Amar dated 25th January 2010, Lim Kim Chye commented: “Your interesting pic record of the Rufous WP feeding on ants recalls a similar observation some years ago. I was at Trong in Bubu FR and on this occasion I saw 4-5 RWPs tearing to bits an ant nest in a tree and feeding on them. Thanks for sharing.”

The Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris tahanensis) is a common resident of Peninsular Malaysia’s montane forests.

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS was at 1,600m a.s.l. in Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands on 27th January 2010 when he became fascinated with these birds.

“The Silver-eared Mesias are … very sociably (usually in a group) and quite friendly. They are delightful to watch, and one of the most colorful,“ wrote Amar. “This female (above right) was just in the right lighting, making photography ideal. She was foraging in a bush with six others just below me in a ravine. The female is generally ‘duller’ with less bright colors, more yellow than orange and has golden or tawny yellow upper tail coverts - red in males (above left).

“Have attached males from last year for comparison. The second picture is a male either moulting or a juvenile transforming to adult male plumage (subadult). Notice the red upper and under tail coverts.”