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DUSKY BROADBILL PREENING

on 17th April 2014

“The Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus) has previously been described as having an ‘ungainly appearance’ (Lekagul & Round, 1991: 220 – bird no. 428). Such an impression would most certainly have stemmed from the bird’s seemingly oversized beak. Indeed, this bird truly looks comical yet adorable, especially when admired face to face (above).

“On the sunny afternoon of 22nd March 2014, we had the opportunity to observe a pair at Fraser’s Hill, Peninsular Malaysia. They had been participating in a leisurely bird ‘wave’ and resting briefly in the shade of the forest (above).

“When the birds had eaten their fill, one of them decided to perch on an exposed branch high up in the canopy, soaking up the sun, watching the clouds drift by, enjoying the gentle breeze and listening to the symphony of cicadas (above).

“Despite its seemingly short neck and cumbersome beak, the Dusky Broadbill demonstrated that it had no problems with flexibility when it comes to preening itself (above, below…).

“It was clearly able to reach the feathers on its back, breast and belly easily (…and below).

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming & Dr. Vilma D’Rozario
Singapore
1st April 2014

Reference:
Lekagul, B. & P. D. Round, 1991. A Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Saha Karn Bhaet Co. Ltd., Bangkok. 457 pp.

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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