Aerial insect feeding by mixed species – Baya Weaver

on 26th October 2016
Baya Weaver chasing after an insect
Baya Weaver chasing after an insect

“Most of us would have experienced the mixed species feeding frenzy on alate termites. See as an example: LINK.

Baya Weaver and a Yellow-vented Bulbul sitting on the fringe of the Madras Thorn tree looking out for prey
Baya Weaver and a Yellow-vented Bulbul sitting on the fringe of the Madras Thorn tree looking out for prey

“This weekend I observed a similar mixed species feeding on aerial Insect but these were not termites (suspect they are some species of Mymaridae, commonly known as fairyflies or fairy wasps).

An immature Asian Glossy Starling going after its prey
An immature Asian Glossy Starling going after its prey

“These insects were fluttering around a Madras Thorn tree (Pithecellobium dulce) near my home and hence less birds were involved; only the Yellow-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier analis), Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis strigata) and Baya Weavers (Ploceus philippinus infortunatus).

A composite of Yellow-vented Bulbuls with prey
A composite of Yellow-vented Bulbuls with prey

“The Baya Weavers were a complete surprise. Although I am aware, and have seen them take animal prey, the fact that they would sally out to catch such insects was unexpected. All birds would return to the tree to feed. Occasionally there were clashes between birds who had both sallied out to the same prey.

A clash between two Yellow-vented Bulbuls - they were the best at hunting for these insects
A clash between two Yellow-vented Bulbuls – they were the best at hunting for these insects

“Images are limited as I stood at a distance to observe the whole event and insect feeding episodes were random and unpredictable.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Date: 15th October 2016

Location: Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Urban Environment

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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