Plantain Squirrel mobbed

YC Wee
on 6th July 2016

SquirrelP-Costus-woodsonii-fl-wyc-2

A Plantain Squirrel, also known as Red-bellied Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus), was resting on the stem of a slender palm, head facing down (left – image not from this encounter). It was making its loud characteristic call that sounded like short bursts of machine gun fire. And every time the call was made, the tail was raised.

Was it a territorial or an alarm call when danger lurks? – as seen when there is a Reticulated Python around?

The call alarmed the few birds around until the squirrel was mobbed by a an angry bird. Only then did the squirrel scamper away.

YC Wee
Singapore
12TH July 2016

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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One Response

  1. I have observed such behaviour before, but it’s usually with at least a couple or three squirrels together. I guess that it may be some sort of territorial or courtship behaviour?

    Reply

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