“When I posted the Pin-striped Tit-babbler (Macronous gularis) nest HERE, some responded by saying ‘could not see the nest’. Yes I agree, this is one of the best camouflaged nest I have seen. I have posted an updated image of the nest (bottom – nest in center of image) as heavy rain has pushed the reeds and structure down; nest still intact.
“I have gone back twice to try and obtain information on prey for chicks, as there is limited information on prey taken by this species.
“Not only is the nest near invisible, the birds are superb at entering the nest without me spotting them. It near ‘impossible’ to watch them as when I approach 10-12 meters away they change their routine. The usually behaviour (seen 5 times) is to land on a strategic branch to see if things safe, drop lower and then enter the nest. But when I am anywhere near the nest they will approach from the rear and work their way through the undergrowth from the back. All I get to see is a bit of foliage movement. Chicks are silent throughout.
“Managed, by intermittent visits (walking away and returning) to image a few episodes. The food brought to chicks, that I have seen so far, is all animal prey. A grasshopper, a large spider and a caterpillar (images, respectively from top down).”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
29th June & 1st July 2014
Location: Ulu Kinta Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Previously logged forest with secondary growth and some primary forest
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