This short note is stimulated by discussion with Dr David Wells about ‘back-mangrove’ bird species after my recent post on mangrove mixed foraging parties. I had noted that there was greater diversity of species at the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, … Continued
Wong Kais was exploring the Thunder Point Reserve, Warrnambool when he came face to face with this bird. Video by Wong Kais. He observed a white-faced heron Egretta novaehollandiae catch a small lizard for lunch. The video shows the … Continued
A female olive-backed sunbird was seen collecting nectar from the Russelia equisetiformis flowers. These plants are commonly called firecrackers in Singapore. The branches which are allowed to cascade down from a height are covered profusely with small flowers. There are red, … Continued
A quiet stroll by the beach rewarded Wong Kais with a video of a White-Faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae catching a slithery reptile for lunch. Kais managed to capture the bird’s hunting strategy. The rather big bluish-grey bird, approximately 70 cm … Continued
A small flock of House Sparrows Passer domesticus kept themselves busy on a recently mowed grass lawn in Victor Harbor, South Australia. The birds were seen picking up pieces of cut stems, chewing them and throwing the chewed parts out of … Continued
We have a pair of Yellow-vented Bulbuls Pycnonotus goiavier nesting in the neighbourhood. I was alerted to them this morning (14th May 2023) as I heard adults making warning calls when a neighbourhood cat approached too close to the nesting … Continued
Wells (2007) indicates that in Peninsula Malaysia direct evidence of the Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis feeding on nectar is lacking and suggests that they eat mainly arthropods and insects. Cheke & Mann (2001) state that apart from insects and caterpillars they also feed … Continued
The Scaly-breasted Bulbul (Rubigula squamata) is less commonly seen and currently considered ‘near threatened’. It is often seen at fruiting trees with other bird species. On 4th May 2023, at a forest site on the outskirts of Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, I … Continued
I revisited the site and observed the nesting Purple-naped Spiderhunters on 4th May 2023. Observation was intermittent from 7.30-9.30am (occasionally ‘distracted’ by other birds). The birds appear to be incubating eggs. There was no activity at the nest for the … Continued
I had an opportunity to observe the nest building of the Purple-naped Spiderhunter Kurochkinegramma hypogrammicum nuchale on 1st May 2023 at a forest site on the outskirts of Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. I have intentionally kept details to a minimum to protect the … Continued
