4-12-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - NICOBAR PIGEON (Caloenas nicobarica)

The Nicobar pigeon or Nicobar dove (Caloenas nicobarica, Car: ma-kūö-kö[3]) is a bird found on small islands and in coastal regions from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, east through the Indonesian Archipelago, to the Solomons and Palau. It is the only living member of the genus Caloenas alongside the extinct spotted green pigeon and Kanaka pigeon, and is the closest living relative of the extinct dodo and Rodrigues solitaire.

It is a large pigeon, measuring 40 cm (16 in) in length. The head is grey, like the upper neck plumage, which turns into green and copper hackles. The tail is very short and pure white. The rest of its plumage is metallic green. The cere of the dark bill forms a small blackish knob; the strong legs and feet are dull red. The irises are dark.

Females are slightly smaller than males; they have a smaller bill knob, shorter hackles and browner underparts. Immature birds have a black tail and lack almost all iridescence. There is hardly any variation across the birds' wide range. Even the Palau subspecies C. n. pelewensis has merely shorter neck hackles, but is otherwise almost identical.

It is a very vocal species, giving a low-pitched repetitive call.

On the Nicobar Islands (which are referred to in its common and scientific names), the most significant colony of Nicobar pigeons in modern times was found on Batti Malv, a remote wildlife sanctuary between Car Nicobar and Teressa. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused massive damage on the Nicobar Islands, and to what extent Batti Malv was affected is still not clear. But while everything on some islets in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve was destroyed, Batti Malv lighthouse – a skeletal tower a dozen metres high, standing a few metres ASL at the highest point of the low-lying island – was little-damaged and put back in operation by the survey ship INS Sandhayak less than one month after the disaster. An April 2007 survey by the Indian Coast Guard vessel ICGS Vikram found the lighthouse tower "totally covered" in vines, indicating rampant regeneration of vegetation – but perhaps also that damage to the island's forest was severe, as a cover of creeping plants is typical of early succession stages, while a photo of the lighthouse taken before the tsunami shows rather mature forest.

The Nicobar pigeon's breeding range encompasses the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, the Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar, offshore islands of south-western Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, southern Cambodia and Vietnam, and many of the small islands between Sumatra, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands. On Palau, the only distinct subspecies C. n. pelewensis is found.

The Nicobar pigeon roams in flocks from island to island, usually sleeping on offshore islets where no predators occur and spends the day in areas with better food availability, not shying away from areas inhabited by humans. Its food consists of seeds, fruit and buds, and it is attracted to areas where grain is available. A gizzard stone helps to grind up hard food items. Its flight is quick, with regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings, as is characteristic of pigeons in general. Unlike other pigeons, groups tend to fly in columns or single file, not in a loose flock. The white tail is prominent in flight when seen from behind and may serve as a sort of "taillight", keeping flocks together when crossing the sea at dawn or dusk. The young birds' lack of a white tail is a signal of their immaturity clearly visible to conspecifics – to an adult Nicobar pigeon, it is obvious at a glance which flockmembers are neither potential mates, nor potential competitors for mates, nor old enough to safely guide a flock from one island to another.

This species nests in dense forest on offshore islets, often in large colonies. It builds a loose stick nest in a tree. It lays one elliptical faintly blue-tinged white egg.

In 2017, several individual Caloenas nicobarica were sighted in the Kimberley region of Western Australia with a juvenile captured at Ardyaloon (One Arm Point), near Broome - the first time the bird has been sighted on the Australian mainland.

4-12-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - INDIAN PIED MYNA (Gracupica contra)

The Indian pied myna (Gracupica contra) is a species of starling found in the Indian subcontinent. It is usually found in small groups mainly on the plains and low foothills. It is often seen within cities and villages although it is not as bold as the common myna. It produces a range of calls made up of liquid notes.

The species is found mainly in the plains but in the foothills up to about 700m above sea level. They are found mainly in areas with access to open water. Their main distribution in India is from the Gangetic plains extending south to the Krishna River. Their range is increasing, with populations establishing more recently in Pakistan, Rajkot, and Bombay (since 1953), possibly aided by trade in caged birds and accidental escape. Their westerward spread in India particularly in parts of Rajasthan has been aided by changes in irrigation and farming patterns. The species has also established itself in Dubai, UAE.

The habitat is lowland open areas with scattered trees near water, often near human habitation. This species is often seen at sewage farms and refuse tips.

4-12-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - WHITE CRESTED LAUGHING THRUSH (Garrulax leucolophus)

The white-crested laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus) is a member of the family Leiothrichidae. It is a highly social and vocal bird found in forest and scrub from the Himalayan foothills to Southeast Asia.

The white-crested laughingthrush is a popular caged bird species, and it is likely that individuals which escaped or were voluntarily released during religious practices are the cause for the expansion of G. l. diardi's range to Malaysia and Singapore in the 1970s–1980s. The exotic bird trade has brought it to the UK and US as well, but no wild populations have been reported there.

18-1-2016 XERACO, VALENCIA - WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata megera)

Lasiommata megera, the wall or wall brown, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae (subfamily Satyrinae). It is widespread in the Palearctic realm with a large variety of habitats and number of generations a year.

P. megera L. [— xiphie Boisd. pt (45d). Above reddish yellow, with a black mark which traverses the distal band from the cell of the forewing to the abdominal margin of the hindwing, short black stripes crossing the disc and the cell of the forewing.

The species lives in North Africa, Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, the Middle East, western Siberia, northern Tian Shan, Dzungarian Alatau, Kazakhstan and Dzungaria.

Habitats include forest edges and clearings, shrubby areas in ravines and river valleys and sparse woodlands. It is also found in mountain habitats up to 0–3,000 metres (0–9,843 ft) above sea level.

The imago flies from April to October in two or three generations depending on locality and altitude. The larva feeds on grasses in the genera Festuca, Bromus, Deschampsia, Poa, Dactylis and Brachypodium.

"The egg is pale green when first laid, and in shape it is almost spherical, but rather higher than broad; it is finely ribbed and reticulated, but unless examined through a lens it appears to be quite smooth. The caterpillar when full grown is whitish-green, dotted with white. From the larger of these dots on the back arise greyish bristles; the three lines on the back (dorsal and sub-dorsal) are whitish, edged with dark green; the line on the sides (spiracular) is white, fringed with greyish hairs; anal points green, hairy, extreme tips white. Head larger than the first ring (first thoracic segment), green dotted with white and hairy, jaws marked with brownish. The chrysalis is green, with yellow-tinted white markings on the edge of the wing covers and ridges; the spots on the body are yellowish, or sometimes white. Occasionally the chrysalids are blackish, with white or yellow points on the body". 

16-1-2016 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush. It is also called the Eurasian blackbird (especially in North America, to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds), or simply the blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. This common and conspicuous species has given rise to a number of literary and cultural references, frequently related to its song.

The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye ring, and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat, and some weak mottling on the breast. The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts, and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first-year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring, and its folded wing is brown, rather than black like the body plumage.

Common blackbirds breed in Europe, North Africa, India, and southern China. Populations in the north and east migrate to winter in Egypt and the west and southeast of Asia. Depending on latitude, Common blackbirds may be resident, partially migratory, or fully migratory. These birds live in very varied habitats, including mountainous regions and big city centers, where they inhabit open forests and forest edges, woodlands, cultivated areas, gardens, and parks if the cover is dense enough for hiding.

Common blackbirds are diurnal and eat mainly on the ground, turning the leaf litter to find the invertebrates hidden below. The bird runs for a short distance and stops suddenly to turn its head sideways to detect its prey and hops while it digs the ground with its bill to attract worms. It will feed in trees and bushes on the fruits and berries that it prefers. These birds will often take sunbaths, while flattened on grass or warm ground, with their beak open and their head inclined, and wings and tails spread. Common blackbirds are territorial, strongly defending their territory, mostly in urban areas where each pair does not have much space. Females may also fight, in defense of a good nest site. While winter food is available, Common blackbirds will stay within their territory for the year, although they will occupy different areas. Migrating birds are more gregarious, flying in small flocks and eating in loose groups at the wintering grounds.

3-1-2016 HONG KONG - YELLOW FACED MYNA (Mino dumontii)

This myna is endemic to New Guinea. As well as being present on the mainland, its range extends to many of the smaller offshore islands. It is common over much of its range at altitudes of up to about 800 metres (2,600 ft) and even higher in parts of Papua New Guinea. It is not present on the southeastern coast of the mainland however. Its typical habitats include rainforests, forest fringes, partially cut areas, secondary growth and gallery forests, and it is sometimes present in savannah areas.

M. dumontii is sometimes seen in small groups but is more often found in pairs. It occasionally forms larger flocks, and communal roosts in tall trees have been described, containing over two hundred birds. It is a noisy bird, emitting a variety of "nasal, growling, and croaking calls with a sometimes human-like conversational quality". It often perches in an elevated position, calling loudly. It has a quick wing-beat and a direct flight, and pairs of birds are often seen flying together; it is possible that this species is monogamous and pairs for life.

This bird is usually found high in the canopy feeding mainly on berries and fruit, although it also feeds on small invertebrates, and it has been observed catching insects in flight. It breeds in holes and crevices in trees well above the ground. The nests are formed of twigs and one or two pale blue eggs speckled with grey and rust are laid. Three birds have been observed carrying nesting material into a single hole, so it is possible that there is some degree of cooperation from the extended family.

14-1-2016 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The Little egret (Egretta garzetta) is small elegant heron in the family Ardeidae. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. At one time common in Western Europe, the Little heron was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in Northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase.

Population size

660,000-3.1Mln

Life Span

up to 22 years

Weight

350-550

goz

g oz 

Length

55-65

cminch

cm inch 

Wingspan

88-106

cminch

cm inch 

The plumage of the Little egret is normally entirely white, although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey plumage. In the breeding season, the adult has two long plumes on the nape that form a crest. These plumes are about 150 mm (6 in) and are pointed and very narrow. There are similar feathers on the breast, but the barbs are more widely spread. There are also several elongated scapular feathers that have long loose barbs and may be 200 mm (8 in) long. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The bill is long and slender and it and the lores are black. There is an area of greenish-grey bare skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye which has a yellow iris. The legs are black and the feet yellow. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet, and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. The subspecies nigripes differs in having yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet. During the height of courtship, the lores turn red and the feet of the yellow-footed races turn red.

4-1-2016 HONG KONG - FAWN BREASTED BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera cerviniventris)

The fawn-breasted bowerbird (Chlamydera cerviniventris) is a medium-sized, up to 32 cm (13 in) long, bowerbird with a greyish brown spotted white plumage, a black bill, dark brown iris, yellow mouth and an orange buff below. Both sexes are similar. The female is slightly smaller than the male.

The fawn-breasted bowerbird is distributed throughout New Guinea and northern Cape York Peninsula, where it inhabits the tropical forests, mangroves, savanna woodlands and forest edges. Its diet consists mainly of figs, fruits and insects. The nest is a loose cup made of small sticks up in a tree. The bower itself is that of "avenue-type" with two side-walls of sticks and usually decorated with green-colored berries.

A common species in its habitat range, the fawn-breasted bowerbird is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Medium-sized bowerbird found in a diverse range of habitats across northern Cape York and New Guinea, usually in tropical moist forest but also in shrubland, parks, and gardens. Primarily grayish brown with subtle orange wash in belly, diffuse streaking in throat and breast. Unlike in other similar bowerbirds, sexes alike. Compare larger Great Bowerbird, which has pink crest in male and lacks orange-toned underparts. Males build an impressive "U" shaped bower of sticks that they decorate with green fruit and leaves. Male song includes great variety of harsh notes and imitations of other birds.

The Fawn-breasted Bowerbird is a small to medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 25 to 30 centimeters in length. It has a slender and compact build, with a rounded head and a short, straight bill. The bird’s body is covered in soft feathers, which are predominantly olive-green in color.

One of the most distinctive features of the Fawn-breasted Bowerbird is its fawn-colored breast, which gives the species its name. This area is adorned with intricate patterns and markings, varying from individual to individual. The upperparts of the bird are mostly olive-brown, while the underparts are a paler shade of greenish-yellow.

Living habits of the Fawn-breasted Bowerbird revolve around its bower. Males spend a significant amount of time maintaining and decorating their bowers to make them more attractive to potential mates. They collect colorful objects such as flowers, fruits, feathers, and even man-made items like bottle caps or shiny objects, which they carefully arrange around the bower. These decorations, combined with the male’s elaborate courtship dance and vocalizations, create a captivating display for the female.

The Fawn-breasted Bowerbird is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. It spends its time foraging for food, engaging in courtship displays, and maintaining its bower. This bird is highly territorial, defending its bower and the surrounding area from other males. It uses vocalizations, aggressive postures, and sometimes physical combat to protect its territory and potential mates.

When it comes to sleep patterns, the Fawn-breasted Bowerbird roosts in trees or dense foliage at night, seeking protection from predators. During this time, it remains relatively inactive, conserving energy for the following day’s activities. Rest is essential for the bird’s overall well-being and helps maintain its physical and mental health.

4-1-2016 HONG KONG - RED WHISKERED BULBUL (Pycnonotus jocosus)

The red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus ), or crested bulbul, is a passerine bird native to Asia. It is a member of the bulbul family. It is a resident frugivore found mainly in tropical Asia. It has been introduced in many tropical areas of the world where populations have established themselves. It has a loud three or four note call, feeds on fruits and small insects and perches conspicuously on trees. It is common in hill forests and urban gardens.

The Red-whiskered bulbul is a frugivorous songbird native to Asia. It has brown upperparts and whitish underparts with buff flanks and a dark spur running onto the breast at shoulder level. It has a tall pointed black crest, red face patch, and thin black moustachial line. The tail of this bird is long and brown with white terminal feather tips, but the vent area is red. Juveniles lack the red patch behind the eye, and the vent area is rufous-orange.

Red-whiskered bulbuls are found in India, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam. These birds don’t migrate and prefer to live in lightly wooded areas, more open country with bushes and shrubs. They also occur in agricultural areas, suburbs, and urban areas.

When not nesting Red-whiskered bulbuls spend their days in flocks and roost communally in loose groups of a hundred or more birds. During the breeding period, they will defend territories of about 3,000 square meters (32,000 sq ft). Red-whiskered bulbuls are noisy birds. Their loud and evocative call is a sharp ‘kink-a-joo’ and the song is a scolding chatter. They are more often heard than seen, but will often perch conspicuously especially in the mornings when they call from the tops of trees.

Red-whiskered bulbuls are herbivores (frugivores, nectarivores) and carnivores (insectivores). They feed mainly on fruits including those of the yellow oleander that is toxic to mammals, berries, and nectar. Young birds feed on caterpillars and insects which are replaced by fruits and berries as they mature.

The breeding season of Red-whiskered bulbuls peaks from December to May in southern India and March to October in northern India. They may nest once or twice a year. During this time the males perform courtship display that involves head bowing, spreading the tail, and drooping wings. The nest of these birds is cup-shaped and is built on bushes, thatched walls, or small trees. It is woven of fine twigs, roots, and grasses, and embellished with large objects such as bark strips, paper, or plastic bags. Females usually lay 2 or 3 eggs that have a pale mauve ground color with speckles becoming blotches towards the broad end. Eggs take 12 days to hatch and both parents take part in raising their helpless chicks. The young typically fledge at about 14 to 18 days after hatching. Red-whiskered bulbuls have an interesting defensive behavior when they sense danger at the nest. Adults (possibly the female) may feign injury to distract potential predators away from the nest.

4-1-2016 HONG KONG - MASKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax perspicillatus)

The masked laughingthrush (Pterorhinus perspicillatus ) is a species of laughingthrush found in China and Vietnam. It is often seen in small noisy flocks of seven. Its Chinese name means 'seven sisters'.

This species was formerly placed in the genus Garrulax but following the publication of a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study in 2018, it was moved to the resurrected genus Pterorhinus.

A rowdy and sociable inhabitant of gardens, parks, and shrubby thickets, this long-tailed, black-eared bird is unmistakable. Upper body is dark gray overall, with brown primarily on the belly but also with some in the wings. Vent area is a dirty rufous color, often seen as the bird intermittently pumps its tail while foraging. Bold, often foraging out in the open on lawns and field edges, but even when hidden, its harsh chattering will give it away.

Masked Laughingthrush has a conspicuous black mask on its face. It favours forest undergrowth and usually gathers in small flocks. It is featured with its loud, scolding calls of 'piaw-piaw'.

About 30 cm long. Mainly brown in plumage with black mask and cinnamon vent. Often appears in small noisy parties of about 7 (colloquial Chinese name is “seven sisters”) in thick undergrowth. Loud and strident calls.

Resident in Hong Kong. Often seen in countryside undergrowth and major urban parks.

Often gathers in small flocks in undergrowth and on the ground feeding on insects and fruits.

3-1-2016 HONG KONG - ORANGE SPOTTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus bimaculatus)

The orange-spotted bulbul (Pycnonotus bimaculatus ) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to Java, Bali and Sumatra.

Attractive bulbul of foothill and montane forest edges and clearings. Endemic to Sumatra, Java, and Bali; introduced to Lombok. Brown above and white below, with bright orange patches on the face and a golden-yellowish tinge to the wings and cheeks. Also note the weak crest, which is not always raised.

Generally unmistakable in its range; only confusion species is Aceh Bulbul, but note present species’ pale belly and range differences. Often gathers at fruiting trees. Call is a hard, decisive-sounding “tjik”, often given in series. Song is a bubbly series of bright fluid notes, often given with a somewhat hesitant quality.

It favors forest edges and open meadows in mountain forests.

Up to 20 cm long. It is a dark-colored and active bulbul with a rounded tail.

It breeds throughout the year. Nesting occurs year-round, peaking in May. Nests are robust and cup-shaped.

This eye-catching bird stands out with its vibrant orange facial patches. Sadly, its population is believed to be declining due to trapping for the cage-bird trade.

3-1-2016 HONG KONG - ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET (Psittacula eupatria)

The Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) is a medium-sized parrot from South and Southeast Asia. It is named after Alexander the Great, who transported numerous birds from Punjab to various European and Mediterranean countries and regions, where they were prized by royalty, nobility, and warlords.

The Alexandrine parakeet is predominantly green with a light blue-grey sheen on the cheeks and nape (back of the neck), a yellow-green abdomen, a red patch on the shoulders, and a massive red beak with yellow tips. The upper side of the tail passes from green at the top to blue further down and is yellow at the tip. The underside of the tail is yellow. Adult males have a black stripe across their lower cheeks and a pink band on their nape. Adult females lack both a black cheek stripe and a pink nape band. The young are similar in appearance to adult females but have shorter tails.

Alexandrine parakeets are widespread in South and South-East Asia where they live in forests, woodlands, agricultural lands, and mangrove forests.

Alexandrine parakeets are diurnal social birds. They usually live in small flocks but form larger groups in areas where food is abundant or at communal roosts. They are very noisy and loud making a variety of calls, including a ringing 'trrrieuw', loud 'kree-aar' or 'keeak', deep 'klak-klak-klak-klak', and resonant 'gr-aak'. Their calls are usually deep, harsh, and very resonant. Their voice becomes harsher when alarmed, and they shriek loudly when mobbing predators. Flocks occasionally excitedly vocalize together. Alexandrine parakeets are even known to imitate human speech in captivity.

Alexandrine parakeets breed from November to April. They usually nest in tree hollows, but sometimes use tree holes excavated by themselves or cracks in buildings. Females lay 2 to 4 white, blunt oval-shaped eggs, measuring 27 to 34 mm (1.1 to 1.3 in). The average incubation period is 24 days. The chicks hatch blind and helpless and fledge at about 7 weeks of age. They are dependent on their parents until 3 to 4 months of age.

3-1-2016 HONG KONG - BLACK CAPPED LORY (Lorius lory)

The black-capped lory (Lorius lory ) also known as western black-capped lory or the tricolored lory, is a parrot found in New Guinea and adjacent smaller islands. It is a colourful and relatively robust lory (31 cm (12 in)). There are seven subspecies, all with green wings, red heads and body around the wing, a black cap, grey-black cere, yellow underwings, and blue legs and belly. Most also have a blue nape and mantle (area between wings on the back). It remains overall widespread and common, but the subspecies cyanuchen is relatively rare, with fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining.

The Black-capped Lory, also known as the Western Black-capped Lory or the Tricolored Lory, is a vibrant parrot native to New Guinea and its surrounding islands. This species is a robust lory, measuring approximately 31 cm (12 inches) in length. It boasts a striking plumage with green wings, a red head, and body around the wing, complemented by a distinctive black cap. Its cere is grey-black, and it has yellow underwings, with blue legs and belly adding to its colorful appearance. Most subspecies also feature a blue nape and mantle, the area between the wings on the back.

When identifying the Black-capped Lory, look for the characteristic black cap and the combination of red, blue, and green in its plumage. The yellow underwings and blue legs are also key features. Subspecies vary in the extent of blue and red distribution, with some having more extensive blue mantles and napes, while others may have red mantles or different shades of blue.

The Black-capped Lory is found in primary forests and forest edges, predominantly in lowland areas up to 1,000 meters, and occasionally up to 1,750 meters. It does not inhabit monsoon forests or coconut plantations.

This species is widespread and common throughout New Guinea and adjacent smaller islands. However, the subspecies cyanuchen from Biak island is relatively rare.

Black-capped Lories are typically observed in pairs or small groups, sometimes forming gatherings of more than ten individuals. They are not commonly seen in large flocks.

The diet of the Black-capped Lory consists of pollen, nectar, flowers, fruit, and insects. They are known to visit various flowering and fruiting trees to feed.

The Black-capped Lory is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. While it remains overall widespread and common, the subspecies cyanuchen is relatively rare, with fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining, warranting particular attention for conservation efforts.

3-1-2016 HONG KONG - BLACK CAPPED LORY (Lorius lory)

The black-capped lory (Lorius lory ) also known as western black-capped lory or the tricolored lory, is a parrot found in New Guinea and adjacent smaller islands. It is a colourful and relatively robust lory (31 cm (12 in)). There are seven subspecies, all with green wings, red heads and body around the wing, a black cap, grey-black cere, yellow underwings, and blue legs and belly. Most also have a blue nape and mantle (area between wings on the back). It remains overall widespread and common, but the subspecies cyanuchen is relatively rare, with fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining.

Their black-capped lory inhabits the primary forest and forest edges in most lowland areas up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) (sporadically to 1,750 m (5,740 ft)), but not monsoon forest or coconut plantations. It is usually found in pairs and occasionally in groups of 10 or more. Their diet includes pollen, nectar, flowers, fruit and insects.

This parrot lives in Papua – New Guinea and the neighboring archipelagos. It is found in forests and their fringes, as well as in wooded wetlands.

Stays in small groups or in pairs. It sits on flowering trees and shrubs, where it looks for food. Foraging birds are quiet and try to be invisible. However, they can be screaming and learn to imitate sounds easily.

It feeds on insects at all stages of development, fruit, flowers, pollen and nectar.

Females do not differ from males in appearance. These birds nest in hollows; females lay two eggs and incubates them for about 24 days.

The tongue of the blue-bellied lady is specially adapted to the collection of nectar – on the tip of the tongue there are brushes characteristic for loris, which help to collect the liquid food.

3-1-2016 HONG KONG - RED VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus cafer)

The red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer ) is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka extending east to Burma and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world and has established itself in New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga and Fiji, as well as parts of Samoa, Australia, USA and Cook Islands. It is included in the list of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species.

The Red-vented bulbul is a medium-sized songbird that can be found across the Indian subcontinent. It can be easily identified by its short crest giving the head a squarish appearance. The body of this bird is dark brown with a scaly pattern while the head is darker or black. The rump is white while the vent is red. It has a long black tail, tipped in white. The males and the females of this species look similar, but young birds are duller than adults.

Red-vented bulbuls occur across Sri Lanka extending east to Burma and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. These birds don’t migrate and inhabit dry scrub, open forests, plains, cultivated areas, parks, and gardens.

Red-vented bulbuls are diurnal social birds. Outside of the breeding season, they like to form large flocks and gather together in communal roosts. The typical call of Red-vented bulbuls has been transcribed as ginger beer, but they also produce a number of sharp single-note calls sounding like a pick. Their alarm calls are usually responded to and heeded by many other species of bird.

Red-vented bulbuls are monogamous and form long-lasting pair bonds. They breed from June to September and lay 2 or 3 eggs in a typical clutch. The eggs are pale-pinkish with spots of darker red denser at the broad end. Red-vented bulbuls build their nests in bushes at a height of around 2-3 m (6.6-9.8 ft). However, they may occasionally nest inside houses, in a hole in a mud bank, or in tree cavities. Their nests are small flat cups made of small dry twigs and spider webs. The eggs hatch after about 14 days and both parents take part in feeding their chicks.

4-1-2016 HONG KONG - COMMON SHELDUCK (FEMALE) (Tadorna tadorna)

The common shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is a striking bird, with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly, and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primary remiges black, and the secondaries green (only showing in flight) and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar, but the female is smaller, with some white facial markings, while the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season, his bill bright red and bearing a prominent knob at the forehead.

Fossil bones from Dorkovo (Bulgaria) described as Balcanas pliocaenica may actually belong to this species. More likely, they are an extinct species of Tadorna (if not a distinct genus) due to their Early Pliocene age; the present species is not unequivocally attested from the fossil record until some 2–3 million years later (Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene).

Ducklings are white, with black cap, hindneck and wing and back patches. Juveniles are similarly coloured, greyish above and mostly white below, but already have the adult's wing pattern.

The call is a loud honk.