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Common Myna – nest

on 23rd October 2021

Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis tristis) in the city often nest in man-made sites. The old disused junction boxes of street lights, located 5 meters up, are a particular favourite; as non-functioning street lights. Breeding pairs will have fierce and bitter fights to take ownership of such ‘prized’ nesting sites. I find this choice of nesting site odd as it is very hot and exposed; but they seem to breed with little difficulties.

A pair has been nesting in a junction box in my neighbourhood for some years (above). Sadly the street light malfunctioned and the repair men who came, removed their completed nest and discarded it.

I was able to retrieve it for inspection and measurements (above and below).

The nest is a long structure, trailing out of the box. It is made predominantly of dried grass with some leaves of the Azadirachta indica (Neem tree) and Syzygium grande (Eugenia grandis), interspersed with raffia. The nesting cavity is filled with plastic strips, string and feathers.

Dimensions (above): Total length 43 cm (minus some trailers); internal cavity dimensions 14 x 12 cm; External nest dimensions 21 x 16 cm.

 

Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr)

Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

 

Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Habitat: Urban environment

Date: 25-26th July 2020

Equipment: Equipment: Nikon D500 SLR with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, handheld with Rode VideoMic Pro Plus Shotgun Microphone

 

 

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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