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White-winged Terns in Malim Nawar Wetlands, Perak

on 18th August 2014

“These migrant White-winged Terns (Chlidonias leucopterus) have been returning north in the past few weeks. I took these 2 weeks ago and have been a bit puzzled over them.

“The two images were taken 45-50 minutes apart of presumably 2 different birds in breeding plumage both carrying nesting material (above). I am fairly certain it is not fish or other prey as that is consumed rather quickly and these birds were quite high up. I have previously seen ‘sham’ nesting by the Brown Shrike.

“These terns are noted to feed by taking prey from the surface of the water and not by plunging in. Even so very adept at getting fish (above).

“I took images of all the White-winged Terns at this location and enlarged them to see breeding status. Of 822 terns 340 (41.4%) had significant breeding plumage changes (above). The image above is in non-breeding plumage with wing moult.

“A small snaps of the crowd (above) and one in flight (below).

“A flock of White-winged Terns became distressed when a juvenile White-bellied Sea-eagle flew past, expecting to become prey (below). They followed the raptor at a respectful distance.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
25th April & 1st May 2014
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Location: Malim Nawar Wetlands, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Extensive ex-tin mining area with pond/lakes, wetlands, fish farming

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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