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Javan Myna and Noni fruits

on 20th September 2015

I used to have two Noni trees (Morinda citrifolia) in my garden, planted probably by birds LINK. Now only one is left. The fruits regularly attract Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus), Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea) and Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) LINK. The tree also attracts birds, butterflies and bees LINK.

Of late the Javan Mynas have been monopolising the fruits, pecking off small pieces from a Noni fruit on the tree (see video below).

Note that there are two fruits where the myna is feeding. The lower one has started to ripen and the bird is pecking at the base of the fruit. After all, ripening takes place from the base up to the tip of the fruit.

When the fruit is fully ripened, it falls onto the road below. Passing cars will flatten it and other mynas will feed from it. Usually family groups will be attracted to these fallen fruits and the adults will show by example that this is food. They will feed on it and at regular intervals peck off pieces and feed them to the fledglings. The latter take time to learn and eventually will feed by themselves. The presence of fledglings is announced by their loud monosyllable begging cries (video above).

YC Wee
Singapore
September 2015

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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