“I observed a sizeable number of the Chestnut-capped Laughingthrushs (Garrulax mitratus major), on a number of occasions, at Cameron Highlands yesterday (below).
“Usually in flocks of 7-9 but also up to 15 birds in a social/foraging group. This species is one of the commonest participants of mixed foraging party (bird wave).
“On this occasion noted it feeding on:
1. Ficus fruit (species not identified) (above).
2. A brilliant blue fruit, Elaeocarpus acmosepalus (above and feeding composite below).
3. I saw one feeding on a Cicada high in the canopy (possibly Megapomponia species). The composite below shows how the bird pulled off the wings and feet before eating the insect.
“Previous feeding sources I have observed with Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush:
1. Feeding on the flowers of Poikilospermum suaveolens to get to the nectar LINK.
2. Unidentified insect
3. Unidentified orange berries (a favourite of many species, not a ficus)
4. The commonest feeding is largely on insects – they frequently explored dead, curled up leaves.”
4. Eating an Atlas Moth (by someone else) LINK.
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
4th March 2019
Location: 1,700m ASL, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Habitat: Primary montane forest
