“There has been an extensive discussion on the BSEGroup regarding whether Yellow Vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier analis) are feeding on termites or involved in a ‘rain-dance’ (as it has been termed). The discussion has also included what conditions are required for such termite or flying ant events that lead to a feeding frenzy – see HERE and HERE.
“Today on my way to work at 7.30am, just 500 meters from home and still within my housing estate, I saw another episode. This was happening in the grounds of an army camp and this limited access. There had been no rain the night before or this morning. I rushed back for my camera, at the expense of being late for work. Took a quick video using the car as a stand and then tried to document individual birds, as the videos so far have not shown the feeding events well.
“This is a fast moving activity and it is difficult to focus on a single bird far away. Decided to use a low zoom, lean against the car, focus on a bamboo clump close to the action and try my luck at catching individual birds.
“Attached is a composites [of various species feeding] which I hope will show what I have been experiencing since childhood.
“The birds are feeding on termites or flying ants. Although Yellow Vented Bulbuls predominate, there were many Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis strigata), a few Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis tristis). I suspect (but no evidence) that some Pacific Swallows (Hirundo tahitica javanica) joined in – could just be passing by.
“It is a very quick/fast activity with every bird scrambling to get as many bites as possible. I watched for 15 minutes and the activity continued although the frenzy has lessened.
“I rushed back home and on to work and about 1.5 km from home saw the same activity when I stopped at a traffic light. This one involved Yellow Vented Bulbuls with Black-naped Orioles (Oriolus chinensis maculates).
“In addition, in the past I have also seen Oriental Magpie Robins (Copsychus saularis saularis) involved.
“Most have been after heavy/prolonged rain, late evening with a preceding hot day. This one was in the cool of the morning.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Canning Garden Home, Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia
9th July 2010
2 responses
A lot of people that take photo’s of birds tend to be older. We now have Assisted facilities that have bird clubs. For more information visit http://www.assistedfacility.com
http://www.assistedfacility.com
Thanks!
Assisted facilities
Yes, I agree with the bird & termites. At dusk when the winged-termites emerge out of their mounds and fly around, you’ll find various birds giving us a Spectacular Airshow. Right from the small humble Tailor-bird to the mighty Black-kites, all seem to enjoy the snacks provided occassionally by the termites. The Magpie Robins have even adapted themselves to hunt for these even after darkness by the light of street lamps. This is aregular phenomenon, the more species ina habitat, the more spaectacular and vivid the happening is.This is only a Feeding-Frenzy habit.