WETlands
a publication of Sungei Buloh Nature Park

Vol 7 No 2
Aug 2000


The Truth
about Grass

Butterfly-Plant Relationships

List of butterflies
(1999-2000)

Beauty to Behold how animals see

More about the eyes of animals

Nesting Birds
at Sungei Buloh

Nesting
Little Heron


A walk with a Volunteer Guide: Keith Hillier

Nature Photographer
with a Mission:
Julian Wong

Earth Day Programmes

Nature in
the City
 
Nesting Behaviour of
Birds in Sungei Buloh
Adeline Chia
Scientific Officer




Baya Weaver's nests
The annual nesting season for resident birds in Sungei Buloh stretches from January to June. Based on observations carried out from 1996, we have identified some general nesting behaviour of some bird species found at the Park. Interesting aspects of these bird's nesting behaviour are highlighted here.

Nesting Season Sunbirds and Tailorbirds kick off the breeding season in January. Courting rituals can be seen amongst the Sunbirds whereby males display bright yellow tufts beneath the wings to attract a willing female. The female usually builds the nest and the male escorts her during the collection of nesting materials. Both parents of the Copper-throated Sunbird (Nectarinia calcostetha) are observed to feed the young.

Scaly-breasted Munia
The nest of the Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) is usually built using the leaves of the lower branches of the Simpoh Ayer (Dillenia suffruticosa). Likewise, the female builds the nest and both parents feed the young. The nest building and feeding activities can be easily observed during the peak nesting period in February and March for both the Sunbirds and Tailorbirds.

The Munias start the breeding season in late February to early March. They seem to like building their nests in potted ferns. The Javan Munia (Lonchura leucogastroides) in particular likes to build its nest on these "suspended nesting sites"! The Javan Munia lays 4-5 eggs and it is common to see the families staying near the nests for some time after the young have fledged.
The Pink-necked Pigeon (Trenon vernans) starts breeding in late March and the likelihood of spotting its nest increases in April. The parents take turns to incubate the eggs and feed themselves.

Nesting Materials A wide variety of materials are used for nest building. The birds are usually quite resourceful, and would not hesitate to use materials that are man-made. String and raffia have found their way into the Copper-throated Sunbird's nest.

Copper-throated
Sunbird

Pink-necked Pigeon
The Pink-necked Pigeon builds a sparse platform of twigs which looks scarcely able to support the eggs and young! Small pieces of bark are also incorporated into the Sunbird's nest.

The Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) conceals its nest in the mangrove vegetation and its nest is made up of composites of long grasses and small leaves.
Occasionally, one may be rewarded with the sight of a Tailorbird or Sunbird picking out bits of spider silk, which plays an important part in nest-building.

The Purple and Grey Herons construct their platform nests with twigs, while Munias and Prinias use grasses as their main nesting material.

Nests are usually lined with fluffy seeds of plants such as Cattail and Lallang to provide insulation. Earth is used in some species to bind the nest together, hence strengthening it.

Grey Heron
The collection and collation of these records help us to better understand the nesting habits of the birds in the Park and allow us to be more attuned to the requirements needed to protect them and their environment. You too can do your part.

Green Tip Building a nest, laying eggs and rearing young not only take up time, they also take up energy. Hence you can help by leaving the nest alone if you spot one or a bird building one. Prying into a bird's nest causes unnecessary stress to the parents and young. This could result in the possibility of the parents abandoning the nest. All it takes is a little consideration from each of us to ensure a successful breeding season for every pair of birds we encounter.
   
© Sungei Buloh Nature Park