More Observations On Red Junglefowl Behaviour (Continued)

on 13th November 2013

“With a large community of Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) in my condo, ranging from adults to new-born chicks, their presence give me many opportunities to observe their behaviour.

Red Junglefowl Confronts Own Reflection
“There have been many records of different species of birds confronting their own reflections in this website. Here is another one to add to the list (below).

“I was alerted to the episode in the afternoon of 27th September 2013 when family members saw it in the midst of fighting its own image. By the time I caught hold of my camera, the excitement had toned down to mere posturing (below). There was a complaint by a tenant that his car was scratched by the chickens not too long ago. To verify the claim, I went down to check the following day. Some marks were found making the claim appeared to be valid. However, the marks disappeared after a car wash, showing that they were actually dirt marks. The car paint work is tough after all.

Immature Red Junglefowl Attempts To Mate
“The 5 months old immature male (below) was in a flock of 6 similar aged birds foraging at their regular location in the afternoon of 22nd October 2013. It suddenly grabbed an unsuspecting female and attempted to mount her. It was unsuccessful as the female struggled and broke free.

“A rehearsal preparing for the adult life? [Or unsuccessful rape?]

Where Do Red Junglefowl Roost?
“My behaviour in watching the chickens is well known among residents. At times some would ask me where did they come from. I would then point to the sky and smiled. If they showed more interest then I would explain further. There were also some who were surprised when I told them that they could fly. As to the question where do they spend the night, the video recorded on 11th September answers the question. They would spend some time pacing around the trees, strain their necks to look for a good landing point before flying up:

Sun Chong Hong
Singapore
6th November 2013

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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