Juv Javan Myna Sips Water From Leaves & Enjoys A Water Bath

YC Wee
on 1st March 2012

“I was watering my garden plants in the shade of my apartment, in the heat of a hot afternoon on 25 Jan 2012 when I realised that a juvenile Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) was following closely behind me. Curious to find out what it was up to, I took my camera, squatted down and observed. It was sipping water droplets from the leaves.

“Towards the end of the edited video, the sound of its poo dropping on a cement block could be heard clearly as it was very close to me. It was so comfortable with me that it was just within my arm’s reach at one point. I tried sticking my hand towards it but it immediately moved away slightly.

“I then decided to test its reaction by sprinkling some water on it. The myna hesitated for a split second and then began to enjoy it as a water bath, in spite of repeated warnings from the parents. Above is the video to show its relish.”

Sun Chong Hong
Singapore
16th February 2012

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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  2. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Brown-throated Sunbird enjoys a leaf bath

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