Purple-backed Starlings feeding like waders

“I went to Simpang Kiri Park Connector (above) yesterday and saw Purple-back Starling (Sturnus sturninus) feeding on the mud flat HERE (both-below).

“Other than insects and fruits, they also feed like waders on the mud flat. Perhaps they learn/follow the Javen Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) since they roost so close to the latter.”

Note: Purple-backed Starling is a common winter visitor and passage migrant to Singapore. Flocks of these starlings can be seen in September to October and again in March.

Samson Tan
Singapore
9th February 2016