“I am not always sure if birds that visit the Malayan Mistletoe (Dendrophthae pentandra) feed on it. In the past I have observed Java Sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora) feed on grass seeds, grass stems and bamboo seeds.
“Today I saw a family group of 2 adults and 5 juveniles visit the Malayan Mistletoe. They seemed keen to feed but I suspect my presence deterred them, despite my backing off to provide them space.
“In the past I have observed Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus infortunatus) feeding on fruit and nectar. Hence, I suspect Java Sparrow may do the same.
“Wells (2007) states that fledging brood sizes are unreported in the region. In the past I reported a brood of 3. Today I saw a brood of 5.
“I managed to image 4 of the juveniles. Note that 2 of the juveniles were more brown (#1-2) and the other 2 more grey (#3-4). This was not due to lighting or image processing. Note that the adult white cheeks are still not well developed (brownish) and that the eye ring is still a pale brown-pink.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
21st August 2018
Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Secondary growth at city fringe
Reference:
Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.
