Generally, resident and territorial birds have their own favourite perches and the Coppersmith Barbets (Megalaima haemacephala) are no different.
Nightshift bird on ending shift darted off and headed for its favourite perch- the Albizia (Paraserianthes falcataria) tree and wasted no time to begin a session of stretch and yoga exercises, after a long night, cramped in the nesting cavity (below).
Bathed in morning light, and inhaled the fresh air of the morning, the shift worker flew off to live another day of refuelling; only to return in the late evenings to prepare for overnight sentry duties at nearby trees to the nesting site.
Dayshift bird would take a 5min break in the late evenings before sundown, to perch on the same tree, to begin the ritual of preening, comfort pose, bathe in golden light and to include the much awaited poop shot (below).
This observation is important to document its state of good health.
Do readers remember ‘Blowfish’ the Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) (below)?
Was Blowfish the male or female bird?
Here is a riddle for readers.
Who did the Nightshift, Dayshift or Blowfish played dual roles?
This is when a powder dye dart is useful to determine who is who as both sexes are similar in plumages. The only time they could be easier to distinguish apart was when they were seen perched together, like looking at identical twin babies.
What if there was to be a third barbet to show up?
Readers, it looks like the barbets want to show a lot more and that means, documenting their full breeding cycle is not going to stop at Part 4 but for several more.
AVIAN WRITER DAISY O’NEILL PENANG MALAYSIA
© ‘OF NESTING SHIFTWORK & COPPERSMITH BARBETS (Part 4)
All images by digiscopy techniques
Optics used: Fieldscope ED82 + 30x + Coolpix 3