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Asian Glossy Starlings preening after a drizzle

on 1st February 2016

It was late evening and the rain had turned into a light drizzle. A few Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis) were perching along the back of the Ceram Palm (Rhopaloblaste ceramica) fronds soaking in the raindrops. Soon the drizzle dried up and the starlings began to get rid of excess water on their plumage before preening.

This was achieved by fluffing their feathers as they vigorously twisted and turned their bodies. Tail feathers were fanned from side to side and wings flapped as the feathers were preened.

Preening helped remove foreign matters stuck on to the feathers, especially ectoparasites. At the same time the bill smoothened the barbs so that they could lock properly together.

The feet managed the feathers around the head, as the bill had no access to them. Thus there were constant head scratching (top).

YC Wee
Singapore
December 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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