“I was finally rewarded with one of my Christmas wishes – to see the Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) feed on the fruiting Common Mahang (Macaranga bancana).
“I have been to this site 4 times in the past 3 weeks and on two occasions I saw an Emerald Dove in the tree, but it left when it saw me. On another day, on three occasions, an Emerald Dove flew towards the tree and was about to land but when noticing me speed off past the tree.
“Finally yesterday, in the early morning, I spotted one that tolerated my presence and was feeding on fallen Common Mahang fruit near the base of the tree. I still hope to document it feeding in a tree (top: shows the fruit in the beak).
“I managed a handheld video (leaning against a tree) to show this foraging activity (above). Can see quite a few fruit feeding episodes (as well other items).
“Of interest is the plumage change with position and lighting (above and below).
“Notice how the green in emerald green in the wings of this adult male ‘change’ to a chestnut-bronze (seen nicely in the video). Not appreciated this positional variation before. No wonder it is also called the ‘Bronze-winged Dove’.
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
27th December 2013
Location: Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: A trail through mixed secondary & primary jungle of the forest reserve
Daisy O'Neill
Dear Amar,
Excellent capture – the magic of light rays reflecting at different angles certainly make all those illusions look real and you’ve certainly captured a rare shot to live up to its name that often puzzle birders. What a lovely fruity start to the New Year!
All best,
Daisy