“I was exploring a new trail today at this hill station and came across a female White-tailed Robin (Myiomela leucura leucura) with prey for the young (above). The image below shows a male with prey.
“I kept my distance and watched as both parents brought animal prey, predominantly worms (no insects or fruit seen).
“I managed to gradually identify the nesting location (above). It was a dark, full canopy location with light coming in only where a small stream allowed some reduced foliage. The nest was located adjacent to the stream, close to the ground (possibly just off center to the left). It was not possible to watch the nest as there was no vantage point. So I passed by once and took a nesting overview image with my handphone.
“The calls of the White-tailed Robin can be heard HERE.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
28th April 2015
Location: 1,600m ASL, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Habitat: A trial along primary montane forest.
Postscript:
“The little bumps along the body of the prey are in fact the very stumpy legs of a caterpillar, establishing that this item is indeed an insect, albeit in the larval form. You can even make out the head of the caterpillar. Worms are headless (although there is a front end) and are not insects and are more smooth-bodied, except for bristles in some” – Hans Peeters
