MeiLin Khoo’s video below shows an Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) taking small pecks from a ripe Syzygium aqueum fruit, commonly known as Water Apple, Rose Apple or Jambu Air. This tree is commonly grown in the tropics for its edible fruits.
The Asian Glossy Starling feeds mainly on fruits. Besides fruits, it has also been reported to feed on alatae termites and snails.
However, of the many fruits eaten by the Asian Glossy Starling, there is no mention of Syzygium aqueum in the common bird literature like Craig & Feare (20090, Feare & Craig (1998), Hails & Jarvis (1987) and Wells (2007).
MeiLin Khoo
Singapore
17th July 2018
References:
1. Craig, A. J. F. K. & C. J. Feare, 2009. Family Sturnidae (Starlings). In: del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & D. A. Christie (eds.). Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 14. Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 654-758.
2. Feare, C. & A. Craig, 1998. Starlings and mynas. Christopher Helm (Publishers) Ltd., London. 285 pp.
3. Hails, C, & F. Jarvis, 1987. Birds of Singapore. Times Editions, Singapore. 168 pp.
4. Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.
This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behaviour through photography and videography to a wider audience.
