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Common Tailorbird – nest building

on 25th February 2016

TailorbirdC-m [MichaelKhor] 1

Michael Khor monitored a male Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) pulling together the large leaves of Simpuh Air (Dillenia suffreticosa) in early February 2016. The bird was using its feet to pull the edges of two leaves together in order to tie them with plant fibres or spider web. Within this nest pouch the tailorbird will construct the nest proper.

TailorbirdC-m [MichaelKhor] 4

“Looks like the holes at the edges of the leaf are actually first made by the bird when holding on to it and pulling it to the other edge – see puncture marks. Suppose it can then connect these holes on opposite edges using material in its beak?” wrote Michael.

TailorbirdC-m [MichaelKhor] 3

“Nothing happened the next few days. Then yesterday I spotted a clump of fibres with the leaf rolled up but just with a couple of holes secured by the fibres. Let’s see what happens next…

TailorbirdC-m [MichaelKhor] 2

“Had just got the Nikon P900 recently, so in dim cloudy conditions this morning, I had set the ISO to its max of 6400 to shoot the bee eater perched on the neighbour’s aerial.

“Visitors came for a fairly late lunch. And as some of them were leaving, I heard the tailorbird’s call. Grabbed the P900 and sat on a chair about 10m from the leaf. No need to adjust ISO cause leaf in a dark spot. Enjoy the video above!”

Michael Khor
Singapore
February 2016

This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

6 Responses

  1. Hi Michael, these photos are fantastic!
    I am working for the Japanese TV to make the documentary of the Taylor Bird now.
    Can you give us your advise where we can find their nests?
    I look forward to hearing from you.
    Thank you!

  2. Hi Dr. Wee

    Thanks for your message. I have sent my message to Mr. Kor.
    Also can you advise us where we can find the Taylor Birds nests?
    Thanks!

  3. Hi Michael, we are still looking for the Taylorbirds nests at Sungei Buloh but can’t find any active ones…
    The director would like to talk to you about your photos and VTR of the taylor birds making their nests. Can you contact me when you are free? Thanks! Kyoko 9799-5019

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