Purple-backed Starling feasting on salam fruits

YC Wee
on 17th January 2015

“When the Salam tree (Syzygium polyanthum) bears fruits, mixed flocks of frugivorous birds like Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis), mynahs, bulbuls and Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) gorge themselves and create a din for a whole week.

“In October 2014, a small flock of about 40 migrant Purple-backed Starling, also known as Daurian Starling (Sturnus sturninus), appeared and joined in the feast.

“We managed to obtain a few clips of hungry birds feeding frantically. Each individual scanned the bunches of fruits and went for the choice ripe fruits. They had no problems gobbling up the fruits whole.”

Teo Lee Wei & K
Singapore
1st January 2015

Note: Image of the Purple-backed Starling is by KC Tsang, video clip by Teo Lee Wei & K.

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

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From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group:Part 6. Bird Group played the religion card.

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From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group.  Part 5. Looking and Studying Birds 

24th February 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group or BESG Part 4: Formation of BESG

14th February 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group.

31st January 2025

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