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© Nesting Common Tailorbirds – One Full Circle Part 6

on 9th August 2019

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6: Phase 3-incubation and first feeds.

“No time was wasted to check on Otto (male) and Satori (female) – breeding pair of Common Tailorbirds (Orthotomus sutorius) upon my return 2nd May 2019.

“Breeding birds had entered their 3th phase – of egg laying and incubation during my absence.

“One quick, opportunity inspection during absence of pair, revealed three eggs in nest. Eggs were bluish, ovate shape with more rufous-cinnamon spots and speckles on broader end. Viewed only once – no opportunity for any images.

“3rd May morning came. Otto and Satori were contact calling and provided small window of jet lagging, photography shots of them both.

“It was also observed Satori flew and settled into nest to continue incubation duties while sentry Otto perched close by.

“Hatching moment was close at hand and extra precautions were taken to stage my invisibility. A full length drape, shielded my movements in room darkness behind DGscope used.

“At predawn 0645am of 6th May, nest was checked as activities seemed to have curtailed in last 48 hours. I was concerned. My pussy-footed approach accidentally spooked Satori. She was as startled as I was and she bolted.

“Ouch! That was a rude awakening… I felt guilty, rather embarrassed but did confirm all eggs were in order.

“It also confirmed female Common Tailorbirds slept with her eggs, ruled and carried out egg incubation duties alone.

“Male Otto was nowhere seen after sundown – well hidden from view, but I sensed he was never far away.

“Hatching day came 6th May evening. I missed the egg shell disposing part. At 1645 pm, Satori was spotted flying in with soft morsels of food. They appeared to be egg/larvae of Hymenopterans.

“Small insect species followed but they were too small/unclear to determine from some blurry shots.

“By estimated calculation, eggs were laid either on 23/24th April and incubated for a period of 13/14 days.

“For the next two weeks until fledging day, busy Otto and Satori were observed playing food caterers to their brood of three chicks.

“Let’s join Otto and Satori in part 7, fly with them in search of the many species of the Hymenoptera kingdom had to offer.

“See what welcoming gifts they bring to nurture their young…”

“A preview MYSTERY shot below.”

AVIAN WRITER DAISY O’NEILL
PENANG MALAYSIA
5th August 2019

COPY OF COPYRIGHT ARTICLE AND ALL IMAGES – COURTESY OF DAISY O’NEILL BIRD CONSERVATION FUND

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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