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Bird reflection: Ruby-cheeked Sunbird

on 20th September 2007

The recent post on birds and their reflections showcasing an Australian crow as well as a Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) and an Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) has unearthed another case of such behaviour.

Susan Wong Chor Mun reported on the anitcs of a male Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Anthreptes singalensis) that was attracted to its own reflection from her car’s side mirror (left). The bird thought there was another male around.

“He was very fierce then. He kept pecking at the reflection of himself and vigorously jumping here and there… and then kept scratching at his own reflection again and again… he was doing such stuff for more than 30 mins.

“…He climbed to the top of the mirror, kept chirping very loudly…

“He kept pecking, scratching at his own image vigorously… jumping up and down…

“Haiyoh… if the side mirror is made of fragile glass, surely it would shatter.

“I heard of many reports of birds during their migration flights when they accidentally hit the building glass and ooops…. they die. Those are usually birds that migrate at night eg. Black-backed Kingfisher(Ceyx erithacus) and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia).

As Veery commented on the earlier post, “such behaviour is so universal and great fun to watch.” Yes, it is fascinating, seeing so many different species behaving the same way the moment they see their reflection. If anyone has images of other species, please send them over. We will be happy to post them.

Susan’s original posting is HERE.

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

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