Yellow-vented Bulbul feeding chicks

YC Wee
on 28th May 2016

Birdwatchers and bird photographers generally ignore the common Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier). However there is much to learn of this species.

YVB-feeding [LilianSng]

The images (above, below) show an adult flying to the nest where two hungry chicks are begging to be fed. Note the wide gapes of the chicks, highlighting the bright red inner surface of the buccal cavity. The gape is lined with a narrow band, the swollen oral flanges. The gape acts as food target for the adult.

YVB-feeding [LilianSng]

The two video clips were documented in June 2015 from the third level of a block of apartments. The first (below) shows the adult flying twice to the nest with food between its bill, first to feed one chick, then feeding the other.

The video below shows the adult, with food in its bill, stopping nearby and only flew to the nest when the coast was clear.

The nest was built on top of a small bush found near a passageway outside the block’s lift lobby.

Lilian Sng
Singapore
22nd 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.

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From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group.

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