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© Scaly-Breasted Munia Dunking For Aquatic Weeds

on 2nd October 2017

Birding Highlights of Taiwan 2017 series

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“In a quiet, Yunlin County village of Taiwan ROC., accumulation of stagnant rainwater in a disused drain, clogged by decayed foliages and fallen leaves of deciduous trees, sprouted a mixed growth of vegetation and algae.

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“Such providence by nature resulted in small flocks of Scaly-breasted Munias (Lonchura punctulata) a.k.a. Nutmeg Mannikins not only to bathe and to drink from, but also fed on the nutritious vegetation provided (top, above).

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“On closer observation, it was noted aquatic plants especially weeds underwater appeared to be of much interest to this estrildidae family (above, below).

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“One bird dunked its head into this shallow pond…

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“…and pulled out what appeared to be, long and green stems of an aquatic weed species [maybe algae like Spirogyra?] (above, below).

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“Video recordings were made to observe the foraging food habit of Scaly-breasted Munia also known by other names such as Spice Munia, Spice Finch, Nutmeg Finch, Spotted Mannikin, Spotted Munia, Rice Bird and Scaly-breasted Mannikin feeding on aquatic weeds.

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“Composite clipping from video is shown above.

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“Mid-morning snacks were slurped whole (above).

“Welcome to Huben Village… Linnei Township of Yunlin County, Taiwan ROC.”

Avian Writer Daisy O’Neill
Penang Malaysia
20th September 2017

Copyright article and all copy Images – Courtesy of Daisy O’Neill Bird Conservation Fund

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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