Apr 19, 2009

Tailorbird @home with Us

Update Jun-13,'09: It is Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius), not Long-tailed Tit - typically found in shrubs and gardens. Tailorbirds get their name from the way their nest is constructed (the edges of a large leaf are pierced and sewn together with plant fibre or spider's web to make a cradle) in shrubs. It lays 3–5 eggs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Tailorbird

Tailorbird grows to about 13 cm (about 5 in) in length and feeds primarily on small insects. Its characteristically stitch leaves together with plant fibers to make nests - stabs the edges of one or more broad leaves with its needlelike bill, threads vegetable fibers through the holes, and draws the leaves together, making a cuplike pocket. The nest is lined with grass or other soft material. The female typically lays three to six eggs. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761587895/Tailorbird.html

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A close up of Tailorbird returning to its nest-in-making (Apr-4). We're updating its name, suppose to be Common Tailorbird instead of Long-Tailed Tit (Jun-13).







Spotted a couple of eggs, size about sen 50 - (Apr-6)












If you're wondering, a month ago, we've spotted a couple of Long-Tailed Tit (size 2-inch body with a tail 3-inch long) (refer Update Jun-13,'09), makes the loudest chirps - equivalent decibels to the ringing from an old fashioned alarm clock. It's amazing to think that loudness coming from a minute bird.

Long-tailed Tits (refer Update Jun-13,'09) are found in deciduous woodlands with significant undergrowth. This is a restless species, constantly on the move as it searches for insects and other small food items http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-tailed_Tit

This monogamous pair decided to nest amongst our shrubs (2-3 feet tall); stealing our coco-peat from our "Sui Mui" (Water Jasmine) pot - see video up-close with Long-Tailed Tit (refer Update Jun-13,'09)

It guards its nest by distracting suspected predators (or any moving objects, e.g. human being like myself) towards itself. Chirping ever loudly from a distant tree. It certainly wakes up the neighbourhood street!

We're so excited having newcomers (baby Long-Tailed Tit (refer Update Jun-13,'09)) yet it can be so annoying when I am weeding and clearing the flower-beds for hours.

Long-tailed tits join top ten in RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch survey http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article5970549.ece





Close-up of a bird perched (on our front fence) for as long as 30 minutes - observing, listening, twitching, scratching, etc. Emmotions shown through its head actions. Such a darling!

I wished to know the name of this bird.

Update Jun-13,'09: It is called It's called Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier). Somehow we couldn't tell if it has a yellow bottom on this video clip *grins.

It is found in a wide variety of open habitats, but not deep forest. It is one of the most common birds in cultivated areas. They appear to be nomadic, roaming from place to place regularly.
The Yellow-vented Bulbul builds a well-camouflaged but fragile, loose, deep, cup-shaped nest from grass, leaves, roots, vine stems, and twigs. The nest is untidy on the outside, but it is neatly lined with plant fibers. it may be built in a wide range of places from low bushes to high trees. This is a species adapted to humans and may even nest in gardens. The Yellow-vented Bulbul lays 2-5 eggs in February to June. They eat berries and small fruits. They also sip nectar, nibble on young shoots, and some insects.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow-vented_Bulbul


"Spring would not be spring without bird songs" - Francis M. Chapman

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song" - Chinese Proverb

"Use those talents you have. You will make it. You will give joy to the world. Take this tip from nature: The woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except those who sang best" - Bernard Meltzer

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