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Of nesting shiftwork and Coppersmith Barbets (Part 4)

on 13th March 2009

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

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.

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