Johnny Wee seeing a Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) picking up a fruit of the Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis) from the ground may appear a common sight to birdwatchers, if they take any notice of the bird at all. But to a photographer, this is something to document. And yes, it is a new record for BESG as it has still not been recorded in our list of Plant-Bird Relationship LINK.
Javan Myna is an omnivorous bird that eats almost anything, plants as well as animals. In Wells (2007), there is a record of it taking palm fruits but no mention of oil palm. Similarly, there is no mention of oil palm fruit in Craig & Feare (2009).
Johnny Wee
Singapore
May 2013
References:
1. Craig, A. J. F. K. & C. J. Feare, 2009. Family Sturnidae (Starlings). In: del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & D. A. Christie (eds.). Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 14. Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 654-758.
2. Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.
3 responses
The common myna Acridotheres tristis, the jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchus and the house crow Corvus splendens feed on oil palm fruits and are considered as major pests of oil palm in India. In addition, the crow pheasant Centropus sinensis, hanging parrot Loriculus sp. and pariah kite Milvus migrans have also been reported to feed on oil palm fruits in India.
Valuable information on birds feeding on oil palm fruits. All the birds you mentioned not reported in the Handbook of the Birds of the World except kite and hanging-parrot. Thanks.
Does anyone know if birds are considered pests in oil palm plantations in M’sia because of their consumption of the oil palm fruit?