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Nesting of the Paddyfield Pipit

on 14th August 2008

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The Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) is a common resident in Singapore and Malaysia (left). It is found in open fields, grasslands and parks. It builds The bird builds its nest at ground level, in a slight depression, lined with dried stems, grass and fibres. The near-circular top is slightly overgrown with vegetation, providing excellent camouflage.

It is not often that the nest is located and photographed – Nelson Khor being one of the few and he is sharing his images here with viewers (below). He noted that there is every chance of the nest being trampled by people bashing through the light growth.
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The single chick seen inside the nest was fed by the adult with caterpillars. Its tufts of natal downs can still be seen on each side of the head just above the eyes (above right). The yellow flanges lining the mouth are obvious in the chick, remaining prominent well after fledging.

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

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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