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Scaly-breasted Munias bathing in my swimming pool

on 28th August 2018
Scaly-breasted Munias bathing in my swimming pool.

“I was prompted by YC Wee’s August 16th BESG observations LINK to dig out some photos I took a few months ago of the Scaly-breasted Munias (Lonchura punctulata) that regularly bathe in my swimming pool in Koh Samui.

Scaly-breasted Munias bathing in my swimming pool.

“The light chlorination doesn’t appear to bother them at all. Indeed, they (and other birds) often drink the water too (as does our cat) without any apparent negative repercussions.

Scaly-breasted Munias bathing in my swimming pool.

“The flock of munias live and feed in the grassy areas outside my property and since 2012 when I first started observing them, has grown from less than 10 to about 20 (counted yesterday on the pool edge).

Scaly-breasted Munias bathing in my swimming pool.

“The munias are often joined by:

“Yellow-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier) (below),

The munis are joined by Yellow-vented Bulbul…

“Oriental Magpie-robins (Copsychus saularis) (below)

…Oriental Magpie-robin…

“and Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis) (below).

…and Common Myna.

“Indeed a few days back all four species were happily coexisting in their communal bath. Sometimes the mynas do intimidate the munias, however, while
the bulbuls don’t seem too bothered, and the magpie-robins seem to keep to themselves and ignore everyone else.

“My house is part of a development of maybe 20 properties, all of which have swimming pools that may possibly contribute to the local success of some of these species. Although they are to be seen at the water throughout the year, they are all much more active in their bathing when there is a lack of rain and when temperatures are particularly high.”

Howard Banwell
Koh Samui, Thailand
25th August 2018

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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