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Emerald Dove feeding on fruits of Macaranga bancana

on 2nd January 2014

“I was finally rewarded with one of my Christmas wishes – to see the Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) feed on the fruiting Common Mahang (Macaranga bancana).

“I have been to this site 4 times in the past 3 weeks and on two occasions I saw an Emerald Dove in the tree, but it left when it saw me. On another day, on three occasions, an Emerald Dove flew towards the tree and was about to land but when noticing me speed off past the tree.

“Finally yesterday, in the early morning, I spotted one that tolerated my presence and was feeding on fallen Common Mahang fruit near the base of the tree. I still hope to document it feeding in a tree (top: shows the fruit in the beak).

“I managed a handheld video (leaning against a tree) to show this foraging activity (above). Can see quite a few fruit feeding episodes (as well other items).

“Of interest is the plumage change with position and lighting (above and below).

“Notice how the green in emerald green in the wings of this adult male ‘change’ to a chestnut-bronze (seen nicely in the video). Not appreciated this positional variation before. No wonder it is also called the ‘Bronze-winged Dove’.

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
27th December 2013

Location: Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: A trail through mixed secondary & primary jungle of the forest reserve

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

One Response

  1. Dear Amar,

    Excellent capture – the magic of light rays reflecting at different angles certainly make all those illusions look real and you’ve certainly captured a rare shot to live up to its name that often puzzle birders. What a lovely fruity start to the New Year!

    All best,

    Daisy

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