“The chempaka merah (Michelia champaca) is known worldwide for its large , very aromatic yellow blossoms. The flower is used to make ‘Joy’ perfume. It appears that it flowers and fruits practically the whole year round in Singapore. It is popular here as a garden/house plant. The pinkish red arillated seeds attract birds such as Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) and Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis).
“As most of the trees planted in the gardens are of the grafted type, they do not grow tall and afford good opportunities for close observation of behaviours of birds that come to feed on the seeds.
“I have made a video showing various behaviours of the Asian Glossy Starling when in or below the tree, specifically the following: (a) heightened sense of alertness when feeding on the ground; (b) possessiveness of food; and (c) frequent passing of faeces and regurgitation.
“In my unedited video, I have recorded the time interval of 1’40” between passing of faeces and regurgitation, and an interval of only 34″ between two successive regurgitation.”
Sun Chong Hong
Singapore
16th November 2010
