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A second nesting for the Olive-backed Sunbirds

on 10th April 2009

The earlier account of the nesting of a pair of Olive-backed Sunbirds (Cinnyris jugularis) and the successful fledging of their two chicks has a follow up.

The two chicks fledged on 22nd February 2009. Three days later there was another pair of Olive-backed Sunbirds arriving to re-model the old nest. Esther suspects that this was not the earlier pair as the birds appeared smaller.

The birds returned daily, sticking feathers into the old nest to provide bulk. As in the previous nesting, Esther anticipates that the birds would leave after they complete the job, to return after a week or so for the female to lay her eggs.

The pair has repaired the porch and the nest looks usable again (left, circled red).

Esther and her husband are looking forward to foster another pair of chicks. Earlier, they had thought of removing the old nest but fortunately decided against doing so.

Esther Chang & Micky Lim
April 2009
(Image by Esther Chang)

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

2 Responses

  1. I’ve had olive-backed sunbird nesting at my balcony for more then 4 years now with many nestlings.
    The nest fell twice and I’ve managed to put it back with needle and thread. The green thread u see above the nest is made by me.
    I think different pairs of birds have used the nest
    They are still there till today (May 18, 2009).
    Please view “my” bird’s photos at my balcony (6th floor HDB apartment).
    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=58847&id=703327706#/photo.php?pid=1309693&id=703327706

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