Singapore Rhododendron (Melastoma malabathricum) is a common weed that is spread by birds. The succulent fruits are packed with tiny seeds and birds love the fruits, especially flowerpecker. Birds spread the seeds all over Singapore, especially in open spaces and gardens.
Our list of birds document bulbuls, coucals, flowerpeckers, green-pigeons, munias, prinias and sunbirds visiting this plant for its fruits.
The video below shows a pair of Pink-necked Green-pigeons (Treron vernans) feeding on the Singapore Rhododendron fruits a few hours before dusk.
Pink-necked Green-pigeon is mentioned in Hails & Jarvis (1987), Robinson & Chasen (1936) as well as Baptista et al. (1997).
YC Wee
Singapore
6th April 2018
References:
1. Baptista, L. F., P. W. Trail & H. M. Horblit, 1997. Family Columbidae (pigeons and doves). In: del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & J. Sargatal (eds.), Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 4. Sandgrouse to Cuckoos. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 60-245.
2. Hails, Christopher & F. Jarvis, 1987. Birds of Singapore. Times Editions, Singapore. 168 pp.
3. Robinson, H. C. & F. N. Chasen (1936). The birds of the Malay Peninsular. Vol. III: Sporting birds; birds of the seashore and estuaries. H.F. & G. Whiterby, London. 264 pp.
