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Red-crowned Barbet constructing a nest

on 7th August 2016

BarbetRC-cavity [ChanKumChun]

The Red-crowned Barbet (Megalaima rafflesii) was actively digging a nesting hole in a dead tree trunk at Lower Peirce Reservoir in July 2016 when Kumchun Chan documented it on video (below).

Such excavation is time consuming and energy demanding. The barbet, a primary cavity nester, is seen vigorously pounding into the round opening to emerge every now and then with a beak-full of wood chips that it discard with a vigorous flick of its head. Note that there is another cavity lower down but the barbet prefers to dig a new one. Being a primary cavity nester it only nests in newly constructed cavities.

Other primary cavity nesters include kingfishers and woodpeckers. These birds have strong bills that have evolved into excellent building tools.

Dollarbirds and hornbills are secondary cavity nesters, making use of disused cavities of even hijacking other birds’ nests. The disadvantage of old cavities is that it is unsanitary, sometimes leading to unhealthy chicks.

The advantage of nesting in cavities as compared to nesting in the open is protection from predators. Such nests also provide shelter from the elements.

Kumchun Chan
Singapore
25th 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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