Of Munias and Mynas

I decided to come home for a night just to relax and chill out after a hectic first week in campus. Of course, everytime I am back at home, I somehow must find time to photograph things, even the most mundane or non-living.

So today I was walking around in the garden, and as usual, started off with taking pictures of my dogs. It just makes me feel so happy to photograph them in any way. Then I drifted off to the hibicus flowers planted in my garden. A male Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis dropped by for awhile, but I didn't manage to get any spectacular shots of it.

Then a small movement caught my eye. A small bird carrying a long, thin twig just took off from the front lawn and flew to a Manila Palm Adonidia merrillii right above my head. It could only be a Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata, as they very often nest in our gardens.

I then noticed that the palm fronds were pulled into a peculiar shape, as if a strong wind had blown them to one side only. Signs of a nest peeked out from the mass of the fronds and I thought to myself that the Munia wouldn't build such big a nest. Moments later, an adult Common Myna Acridotheres tristis flew out from the palm tree carrying some nesting material. Ah, so there must be two species of birds nesting in the same tree!

I waited for the Munia to reappear, and it did, but since it was high up, there was bad backlighting and the pictures did not turn out too good. I decided to go back into the house and upstairs as it was just the right level with the top of the palm tree.

Scaly-breasted Munia carrying a long thin twig for nest-building in a Manila Palm

When I reached the window of the upstairs room, the Myna was perched right at my eye level and it flew off in alarm at my sudden presence. It then hung about warily along the window ledge of the neighbouring house and even made some harsh calls, obviously unhappy at me! I tried to look for the Munia but initially didn't see it. Then only I spotted it on the next palm tree. This time the background was darker and more suitable so the pictures turned out better.

Finally a better shot of the Scaly-breasted Munia

The Munia didn't seem to notice or mind my presence at the window. Its partner later also joined it on the same palm and they preened together. After shooting them for awhile and being satisfied with my shots, I left them alone.

First there was one...

...and then there were two!

"We need a break from work too!"

 I wonder why the Munias chose to nest together with the Mynas. Perhaps its a matter of extra safety?