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Black-naped Oriole – social behaviour

on 11th February 2016

“I saw these two Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis maculatus), one juvenile and the other adult having a mid air conflict (above). Below is a composite of some images of the conflict.

“Have watched this form of ‘social’ behaviour between adults and juveniles over many years, I am inclined to think it is a juvenile pressing (harassing) an adult for food. There comes a time in every parent care of a juvenile, when they are old enough (immature/subadult) to feed for themselves, that a separation of responsibilities/duties has to occur. Often the process can be painful with the juvenile continually calling and chasing the adult. The adult has to be firm and allow the juvenile to grow up.

“I have also often seen these ‘chase-fights’ among Black-naped Oriole and above is a composite image to illustrate it.

“Saw two engaging in the activity yesterday for more than 50 seconds. As usual it was fast and furious with one being the aggressor. Often there is actual physical contact.

“From my watching of these ‘chase-fights’ activities over many years (also seen often with Black-naped Oriole chasing away crows), I think they are protection of nesting sites with another bird accidentally (?intentionally) straying near a nest.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
20th April 2014; 8th February 2015

Location: Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Urban environment

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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