What Kind Of Birds And Beetle Are These?

[Nienke]

Hi,

Everyday I enjoy the wildlife in my garden. Especially early morning and late afternoon, when they are more active. Last week I saw even for the first time a squirrel, and this year I had a winter visitor (according to my 'birds of Thailand' guide) in breeding outfit: the Chinese Pond Heron.

I always have my book and binoculars within reach. And sometimes my camera, when the need arises.

And that's with the following pic's: can anyone tell me what birds and what beetle these are?

Edited September 26, 2006 by Nienke

[phibunmike]

Hi,

Everyday I enjoy the wildlife in my garden. Especially early morning and late afternoon, when they are more active. Last week I saw even for the first time a squirrel, and this year I had a winter visitor (according to my 'birds of Thailand' guide) in breeding outfit: the Chinese Pond Heron.

I always have my book and binoculars within reach. And sometimes my camera, when the need arises.

And that's with the following pic's: can anyone tell me what birds and what beetle these are?

The small bird looks like some kind of reed warbler - I am not a twitcher however....

The insect looks more like a bee or wasp than a beetle, as those look like extended wings not hardened wing cases, and extended at rest too....

[mitmig]

Sorry, can't help you with the names, but if I don't know a birdname, I check this page:

http://www.pbase.com/peterericsson/birds_o...nd&page=all

[phibunmike]

Sorry, can't help you with the names, but if I don't know a birdname, I check this page:

http://www.pbase.com/peterericsson/birds_o...nd&page=all

Great site, thanks for the info

[Allyt]

The initial pic in the set is of a Scaly Breasted Munia. The birds that nest in a big bundle of grass, sometimes in the most amazing places...light fittings in your porch.

Its great to see them building. They find some long grass, nip the grass low down and then fly off with a strip of grass trailing behind for their nest.

They are typically in a flock and have a rather sad plaintive call.

I have what seems to be a sought after light fitting. In 2 years, its seen at least 6 broods.

The other bird in the pics of the original post is a warbler.

[Nienke]

The initial pic in the set is of a Scaly Breasted Munia. The birds that nest in a big bundle of grass, sometimes in the most amazing places...light fittings in your porch.

Its great to see them building. They find some long grass, nip the grass low down and then fly off with a strip of grass trailing behind for their nest.

They are typically in a flock and have a rather sad plaintive call.

I have what seems to be a sought after light fitting. In 2 years, its seen at least 6 broods.

The other bird in the pics of the original post is a warbler.

Thanks all for your reactions. Beautiful pic's on the given site!

Two days ago I could observe the scaly breasted Munia form pretty close, so I that pic is confirmed. I've also seen them flying with the piece of grass in their beaks. Beautiful to watch.

The warbler I'm still not sure. Can't it be a prinia?

As for the wasp, bee or beetle, I really have no idea. Was hoping there would be an expert on the site

[nickupton]

The first picture is indeed Scaly-breasted Munia, the second bird is a Plain Prinia, another common grassland bird. For more Thailand birdwatching stuff, have a look at my website thaibirding.com

[Nienke]

The first picture is indeed Scaly-breasted Munia, the second bird is a Plain Prinia, another common grassland bird. For more Thailand birdwatching stuff, have a look at my website thaibirding.com

Beautiful website!!!

Thanks for the info.

Finally I know what bird has been nestling in my garden: plain prinia. The picture in the book 'Birds of Thailand' wasn't that clear to me to be sure.

[nickupton]

I'm glad to hear there are people out there who are interested in Thailand's birds. I wonder if anyone feeds the birds in their gardens in Thailand?

[phibunmike]

I'm glad to hear there are people out there who are interested in Thailand's birds. I wonder if anyone feeds the birds in their gardens in Thailand?

I thought about putting in a bird table in my garden (in Isaan, middle of rice fields) but most of the birds I see in my garden are tiny sun birds (or similar, I am not an expert) feeding on flowers in trees. Therefore I am not sure feeding them would work. Any suggestions ?

Thanks,

Mike

[sbk]

My parents have a finch feeder that they don't use-- its a tube you fill with seed, openings on the side and bottom. Do you think there are any birds in the South that would eat from this? If so, I'll bring it back with me. I'd love to get something other than the wild mynah birds we have in abundance.

[nickupton]

I would have thought that munias and sparrows would use the seed dispenser, if you are really lucky you might get the odd weaver bird, but they aren't too common. The observation about sunbirds is a good point, many of the birds in Thailand are insect and/or nectar feeders and won't take seed. I've seen nectar feeders in use in North America filled with sugar water for hummingbirds, this might work in Thailand. Alternatively try putting out some fruit, wedged into an old branch or something, this could well attract birds as would the insects that are attracted by the fruit.

Give it a go and see what happens.

[sbk]

Do you think a hummingbird feeder would work? No hummingbirds but mom and dad have a hummingbird feeder too, so I might give that a try too.

[nickupton]

I think it may need some adaptation. Sunbirds don't normally hovver like a Hummingbird (although sometimes they do) so creating some perches might help. I guess the best way to do this would be to hang it amongst a bushy plant so they could climb on this and feed from the nectar feeder.

Don't know if they will use it but give it a go. I don't know of anyone that makes much effort to feed birds in Thailand so trying this could well be a first. If you try it please contact me with any results and I'll stick any observations you make on my website (see prior posting for address), it would be interesting.

I'm pretty sure Sunbirds would feed from bits of old fruit too.

[udon]

Do you think a hummingbird feeder would work? No hummingbirds but mom and dad have a hummingbird feeder too, so I might give that a try too.

The Sunbirds might go for it.

[sbk]

I think it may need some adaptation. Sunbirds don't normally hovver like a Hummingbird (although sometimes they do) so creating some perches might help. I guess the best way to do this would be to hang it amongst a bushy plant so they could climb on this and feed from the nectar feeder.

Don't know if they will use it but give it a go. I don't know of anyone that makes much effort to feed birds in Thailand so trying this could well be a first. If you try it please contact me with any results and I'll stick any observations you make on my website (see prior posting for address), it would be interesting.

I'm pretty sure Sunbirds would feed from bits of old fruit too.

OK, if I can get it in my suitcase I'll give it a go

I'll let you know in a few months (I won't be back in LOS until mid-November).