White-crested Laughingthrush and bananas

"We first noticed, or actually heard, these White-crested Laughingthrushes (Garrulax leucolophus) about two years ago. Usually we only see these birds after a heavy downpour. They will come to our frangipani trees (Plumeria spp.) and take turns to forage on the ground. Usually about four to six each time, but once we saw a flock of about nine.

"About a year ago when our variegated banana was fruiting, we noticed them coming for the ripe fruits. However, the funny thing was that they did not eat the bananas while they were still on the bunch. One or two birds would work at getting a ripe fruit to fall to the ground and only then did they take turns to feed.

"These last months they had been coming almost every morning and sometimes, throughout the day. They were more active after a heavy rain and would feed on the ground. Can it be that the rain water forces more worms and bugs out of the ground?

"Another bird we saw (or heard) during the last few months was the Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). When there's lots of rain, the field next to our house turns into a little pond. The night herons will then come in the evening and feed (or hunt) here. We also see the Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) and once in awhile, the Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea).

Victor Lee"

Thanks, Victor, for the account and Johnny Wee for the image.