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.”
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