Leucistic Javan Myna feeding on Xanthostemon chrysanthus flowers

on 17th November 2013

Xanthostemon chrysanthus or Yellow Penda, an introduction from Australia, is a popular roadside tree in Singapore. The tree flowers sporadically together, its yellow blossoms attracting a wide range of birds that feed on its flower nectar LINK.

During its current flowering season (October-November), a lone leucistic Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) was seen regularly visiting these trees fronting my house to feed on the flower nectar, mostly around 1100 hours.

Leucisn: = absence of dark pigment resulting in a reduction in the intensity of all pigments.This weakens the feather structure.

YC Wee
Singapore
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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