Another Javan Myna soaking in the sun

YC Wee
on 15th September 2018

It was a hot afternoon and this Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) was lying on the grass in my garden soaking in the sun. Its bill was gaping (above). It then vigorously preened its feathers and scratched its head (below). Sunning its feathers, vigorous preening and scratching are to maintain its feathers in top form.

It also gaped widely and breathed fast to increase airflow to its lungs as a means of cooling its body. It also fluffed its feathers so that hot air close to its skin can escape (below).

The video below shows the myna soaking in the sun.

An earlier post can be seen HERE.

YC Wee
Singapore
18th June 2018

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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From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group. Part 1: Looking at Birds.

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