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Common Flameback foraging

on 4th February 2010

Unlike most birdwatchers, Dato’ Dr Amar Singh HSS is still fascinated by the common urban birds after 36 years of watching birds. But then he is no run-of-the-mill birdwatcher. When he watches birds, he sees their antics, photographs them and then shares his observations with whoever is interested.

His latest contribution is the feeding behaviour of the Common Flameback (Dinopium javanense javanense) that regularly visits his urban garden (female, above left; male, baove right).

“This female was foraging with her mate in a clump of Acacia auriculaeformis trees. The pictures show her getting a juicy bite (caterpillar) out of the knot of the tree trunk (below left). She was engrossed and allowed a close approach.

“Meticulously searching as she progresses up the tree trunk, isolating the prey and using the tree trunk to mash the prey before a delightful swallow and a beak cleaning (above middle). One picture shows her using the long tongue to probe for grub (above right).”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia
21st December 2009

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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