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Tanimbar Corella: DEXTROUS FEET and POWERFUL BEAKS

on 27th May 2011

“Attracted to some squawking above a ketapang tree (Terminalia catappa) next to the Changi Point ferry terminal. Tried to identify the birds making those noise but view was blocked by thick foliage. Few minutes later, out flew a Tanimbar Corella (Cacatua goffini) towards the sea, and seconds later a hornbill flew inland.

“Decided to try my luck to take a shot of the corella and walked towards the seaside. Encountered two flocks of pigeons scurrying on the ground, and nearer the beach was a fairly big flock of ‘white doves’ (above). Was pleasantly surprised they turned out to be Tanimbar Corellas (about 15). Most of them were on the ground feeding and a few were sitting on the ketapang trees.

“Managed to make my way as close as possible to them. Some even moved to barely 3m from my squatting position. They were all busy picking up ketapang fruits from the ground, shelled them between their beaks, and dexterously held it with their claws the inner seeds and feed on the tasty morsel (above). A few were observed to roll and rub themselves on the grass and sand while the feeding was going on.

“Remember as a kid, tried to get the ‘nut’ from this dried sea almond fruit (left). Had to use a rock to smash open the shell, often pulverising the tasty morsel. These birds can just halve them between their beaks.”

JH Goh
Singapore, 25th May 2011

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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