“I was watching birds around the neighbourhood (up to 1-2 km away) and visited sites I have been ‘neglecting’. One is a large, longstanding, stalled housing project where lots of birds have found a habitat over the years including some Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus gallus) that have been breeding there. I was at the edge of the area when this adult male in eclipse came out to forage (below).
“Robson (2008) states: ‘Male eclipse: After breeding. Crown and neck all blackish, lacks hackles, tail shorter, comb and lappets may appear shrivelled.’
“Had some good views over ten minutes as I stayed in the car and tried my luck with pictures from a distance. Very beautiful in the light but can look very dark in the shadows. Unfortunately got spooked and flew off – my flight picture a bit blurred but shows off the striking colours of the bird (above left).
“Image of a juvenile male from same flock for comparison (above right). That of a breeding adult female from same flock is shown for comparison (left).
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Near Canning Garden Home, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
22nd August 2010
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Reference:
Robson, C., 2008. A field guide to the birds of South-east Asia. New Holland, London. 544 pp.
