The Footstool Palm (Livistona rotundifolia) is a single stemmed palm that can grow to a height of 20 metres. The rounded crown consists of leaves that are divided and fan-shaped. When in fruits, the large, brick-red hanging bunches make an attractive sight (above).
Hordes of Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis), adults as well as juveniles, flock to these bunches pecking at the fruits (below).
Although there has been an earlier report that these starlings swallow the fruits of Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) whole to regurgitate the seeds, this behavior was not observed in the case of the Footstool Palm.
At another location I witnessed a handful of Pied Imperial-pigeons (Ducula bicolor) feeding on these fruits. Unfortunately I have no images or videos to illustrate their activities.
YC Wee
Singapore
November 2015
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