The Striped-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus finlaysoni) is a dull-coloured bird distinguished by the yellow head-streaks (above). Its other distinguishing feature which may not always be present is the tiny red supraloral spot, characteristic of the nominate race that is found in Peninsular Malaysia. This bulbul is not found in Singapore.
Layhwee came across a family of three, two adults and a recently fledged chick in Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia in May 2008 (above).
The fledgling was naturally hungry and constantly begging for food (below). The adults were kept busy feeding it, mostly arthropods, probably insects.
These birds are found among secondary growths and open areas as well as urban areas. They are generalists, feeding on fruits and insects.
They breed between February to September, making deep, see-through cup-shaped nests of fibres and grasses, the outside incorporated with dead leaves for camouflage. Usually two eggs are laid and in this case only one is hatched. Both adults tend to the fledgling.
Unfortunately, breeding information is sketchy. Photographers, and hopefully birders, can record such observations.
All images by Layhwee.
This post is a cooperative effort between www.naturepixels.org and BESG to bring the study of bird behaviour through photography to a wider audience.