Purple-backed Starling/Daurian Starling – flock/feeding

“A migratory flock of 350-400 Purple-backed Starlin/Daurian Starling (Agropsar sturninus) making a loud ‘starling-chatter’ while preening together (above, below).

“Also seen in large flocks in flight (below). They were feeding extensively on this fruit of a wayside bush (identity unknown) – see composite image (bottom).

“I have previously documented the following birds feeding on this same fruit:
1. Yellow-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier)
2. Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis strigata)
3. Baya Weavers (Ploceus philippinus infortunatus)
4. Java Sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora).

“In addition today I saw 5 Jungle Mynas (Acridotheres fuscus) and 6 White-breasted Waterhens (Amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus) also feeding on this fruit.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS)
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
15th February 2018

Location: Malim Nawar, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Ex-mining pools, fish farming, wetlands