The Scaly-breasted Munias (Lonchura punctulata) visit my garden regularly since the latter part of 2017 LINK 1 and LINK 2. They come during the late evenings to feed on the seeds of the Siglap Grass (Zoysia matrella). I do not mow my grassy areas but simply weed out the non-grass and the taller grasses. The Siglap Grass is encouraged and their fruiting stalks attract the munias.
On the evening of 18th April 2018, six of these munias appeared, adults as well as juveniles, and quietly fed on the grass seeds. Suddenly a Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) flew in and foraged near a pair of munias. The bulbul began pecking into the soil. The munias continued feeding on the grass seeds, not paying attention of the much larger bulbul. Soon the bulbul flew to a small tree nearby to preen and stretch before flying off to roost (see video below).
Next to appear was a female Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor). Unlike the bulbul, the appearance of the lizard caused the munias to fly away. But they returned to feed on the grass seeds ignoring the lizard nearby. The lizard made a few attempts to catch the munias but failed. The munias were too fast for the lizard.
Apparently this lizard does eat birds LINK, and munias are small enough to allow the izard to grab one.
Has anyone had an encounter with a lizard eating a munia or any other small birds?
YC Wee
Singapore
20th April 2018
One Response
my husband and i thoroughly enjoyed this video… it was like a movie ! if you can find more appropriate music next time that wld make it even better !