On 27th March 2011, Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS documented adult Scaly-breasted Munias (Lonchura punctulata) feeding on the seeds of Coat Buttons (Tridax procumbens). The photograph was taken in an urban garden in the Malaysian city of Ipoh in the state of Perak.
According to Amar, “Not seen this reported in literature as source of food. Tridax procumbens is known for its healing properties and unsure if birds recognise this at an innate level.”
Tropical American in origin, it has been introduced to many tropical, subtropical and mild temperate regions of the world as an ornamental plant. In many areas of the world it has proven to be an invasive weed. In the US for example, it is considered a noxious weed and categorised as a pest in a number of states.
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