Yeow Loye
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meropidae.bsky.social
Yeow Loye
@meropidae.bsky.social
42 followers 15 following 22 posts
Avian and wildlife photographer.
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meropidae.bsky.social
Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) returning to his nest in Tampines Ecogreen, Singapore. #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography
While the Baya Weaver is a fairly common resident in Singapore's grasslands, a fascinating, lesser-known aspect of their nesting behaviour is the male's construction of multiple "helmet stage" nests. He builds several incomplete nests to attract potential mates, and the choosy females will inspect these structures meticulously, sometimes even helping to finish one they approve of by adding lining. Interestingly, these skilled architects occasionally incorporate lumps of wet clay into the interior walls of their woven nests, the purpose of which is still debated, with theories ranging from adding stability to potentially helping regulate humidity inside the cozy chamber.
April 19, 2025 at 2:02 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
Black-naped Terns (Sterna sumatrana) #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography
With their strikingly white plumage and a neat black stripe across the nape, Black-naped Terns (Sterna sumatrana) are elegant visitors to Singapore's coastal areas. Often seen gracefully skimming the waters off Changi and Pulau Ubin, these slender birds primarily feed on small fish with impressive shallow plunge-dives. Notably, Singapore hosts one of their few consistent breeding sites at Loyang Rock, where these dedicated parents lay their eggs directly on the bare rock, fiercely defending their nesting grounds against any intruders, making them a cherished, albeit nationally endangered, part of Singapore's avian biodiversity.
April 8, 2025 at 1:04 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris). #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography
The Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) possesses several key adaptations that make it perfectly suited for its arboreal climbing lifestyle. Its feet are equipped with long, strongly curved claws on all four toes. This anisodactyl arrangement (three toes pointing forward and one backward) provides an exceptional grip on the uneven surface of tree bark, allowing it to cling securely even on vertical trunks. The tail feathers of the Eurasian Treecreeper are unusually stiff and pointed. These act as a crucial prop or brace against the tree trunk, providing extra support and stability as the bird hitches itself upwards. This tripod-like action, using its feet and tail, allows for efficient vertical movement.
April 6, 2025 at 1:40 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
Ornate Sunbird (Cinnyris ornatus) #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography
Recent genetic studies have revealed the Ornate Sunbird's complex taxonomic history, leading to its separation from the previously grouped "Olive-backed Sunbird" complex, highlighting the subtle but significant evolutionary divergences within these tiny birds. Observations have shown variations in their nesting behaviors depending on their local habitats, pointing to a higher degree of environmental adaptions than previously known.
March 24, 2025 at 10:14 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography
Although the Old World lacks the colorful and steady fliers that are hummingbirds, the vibrantly colored sunbirds more than compensate. Sunbirds and spiderhunters belong to the family Nectariniidae, which encompasses 16 genera and 151 species. These birds primarily feed on nectar, but their diet also includes insects, such as spiders. The habitat of Nectariniid varies widely, ranging from dry savanna to tropical rainforest and from sea level to 4900 m. Many species, particularly those in drier regions, move widely in search of flowers.
March 23, 2025 at 1:18 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
Orange-cheeked Waxbill Munia (Estrilda melpoda) #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography #singapore #southeastasia
The Orange-cheeked Waxbill Munia (Estrilda melpoda) exhibit a fascinating nesting strategy, constructing a "dummy nest" atop their actual nest. This deceptive practice, often referred to as a "cock's nest," serves as a clever defense mechanism, intended to confuse and deter potential predators. Additionally, they are considered to be "light sitters" which means they are easily disturbed, and may abandon their nests if they feel overly threatened.
March 22, 2025 at 3:41 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography #asia #singapore
The crimson sunbird, Singapore's unofficial national bird, boasts some fascinating traits. Their long, curved beaks are perfectly adapted for sipping nectar from flowers, while their agile flight allows them to hover mid-air like hummingbirds. These tiny birds play a vital role in pollinating native plants, contributing to the biodiversity of Singapore's urban green spaces.
March 10, 2025 at 2:20 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography #australia
The rainbow lorikeet is a vibrant and energetic parrot native to Australia. Known for its strikingly colorful plumage, featuring a blue head, orange-red breast, and green wings and back, it's a common sight along the eastern Australian coastline. These sociable birds are often found in large, noisy flocks, feeding on nectar, pollen, and fruits with their specialized brush-tipped tongues. While beloved for their beauty, they can sometimes be considered pests in agricultural areas due to their appetite for fruit crops.
March 9, 2025 at 10:27 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga ichthyaetus). Re-posting to correct the name of the species. #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #naturephotography #birdphotography
March 4, 2025 at 11:04 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) #🪶 #birds #nature #wildlife #birding #photography #birdsofbluesky #photography #naturephotography #birdphotography
While their vibrant plumage and nectar-feeding habits are well-known, some less common aspects of the Crimson Sunbird's life are quite interesting. For example, variations exist in the male's tail length across different geographical populations; some subspecies lack the elongated central tail feathers that are characteristic of others. Additionally, their role in the pollination of specific, often less-studied, flowering plants within their Southeast Asian habitats is still being actively researched, revealing intricate ecological relationships. Furthermore, the specifics of their vocalizations and how these vary within different microhabitats are areas where ornithologists are continuing to gather data, adding to the depth of our understanding of this fascinating bird.
March 1, 2025 at 12:35 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) #birds #animals #wildlife #nature #asia #singapore #photography
While the brown-throated sunbird's vibrant plumage is well-known, its mating displays offer subtle yet fascinating insights. Male brown-throated sunbirds, with their iridescent green and blue-purple hues, engage in displays that, while not as dramatic as some bird species, are still quite captivating. They will often perform short, rapid flights, accompanied by bursts of their high-pitched calls, to showcase their vitality. Additionally, they may flare their throat feathers, highlighting the characteristic brown patch, and perform intricate movements around the female. Observations suggest that the intensity and frequency of these displays correlate with the male's health and vigor, offering females a way to assess potential mates. What makes them interesting is that because they are so common in urban environments, these displays happen all around us, and are often overlooked.
February 23, 2025 at 2:07 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
European robin (Erithacus rubecula) #birds #nature #photography #wildlife #scotland
While their bright red breast is iconic, European Robins have some lesser-known quirks. For instance, they're surprisingly adept at foraging in low light, sometimes hunting insects during moonlit nights or near artificial lights, thanks to their relatively large eyes. Also, their territorial displays are quite elaborate, involving complex body language like tail raising and feather fluffing to intimidate rivals. Furthermore, it's interesting to note that their scientific name, Erithacus rubecula, reveals a link to ancient Greek and Latin, with "rubecula" derived from the Latin "rubeus," meaning "red." This highlights how deeply ingrained these little birds are in human history and language.
February 22, 2025 at 1:37 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
Yellow-billed Southern Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) #birds #nature #photography #africa #wildlife
The Yellow-billed Southern Hornbill, a striking bird native to Southern Africa, is easily recognizable by its large, downward-curved yellow beak, which can be up to one-sixth of its body length. These medium-sized birds are primarily ground foragers, hopping and running in search of insects, spiders, scorpions, and even small reptiles. Interestingly, they often cooperate with Dwarf Mongooses, catching prey that the mongooses flush out from the ground. While they are mainly solitary or found in pairs, they may form small groups during breeding season or when local migration occurs due to dry spells.
February 16, 2025 at 9:48 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) #birds #nature #animals #photography #singapore
Blue-tailed Bee-eaters are vibrant, slender birds found across South and Southeast Asia. Their name comes from their love of bees, wasps, and hornets, which they catch mid-air with incredible precision. Interestingly, they also have a unique way of dealing with their stinging prey - they beat the insects against a hard surface to remove the stinger before enjoying their meal! These colorful birds are often seen near water bodies, adding a splash of color to their surroundings.
February 13, 2025 at 12:44 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
White-throated Kingfisher's (Halcyon smyrnensis) #birds #photography #nature #singapore #wildlife
The white-throated kingfisher is a common resident in Singapore, easily spotted due to its striking plumage. Its diet isn't limited to fish; it also includes insects, reptiles, and even small mammals. Unlike some kingfishers that strictly stick to waterside habitats, this adaptable species can be found in various locations across Singapore, from parks and gardens to even urban areas.
February 9, 2025 at 12:06 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) #birds #wildlife #photography #nature #singapore
Masked Lapwings are ground-dwelling birds known for their striking appearance, with a black crown, brown wings, and a bright yellow wattle on their face. They're also equipped with a sharp spur on each wing, used for defense. These birds are fiercely protective of their nests, often diving at intruders or feigning injury to distract them. Interestingly, Masked Lapwings are adaptable nesters, choosing open areas like parks, gardens, and even rooftops! Their chicks are quite independent, leaving the nest and feeding themselves just hours after hatching.
February 7, 2025 at 11:16 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
Ornate Sunbird (Cinnyris ornatus) #birds #nature #photography
Ornate Sunbirds, also known as Olive-backed Sunbirds, are tiny, active birds with a wide distribution across Southeast Asia. The males are particularly striking with their iridescent blue-black throats and bright yellow bellies, while the females have a more subdued olive-green plumage. Both sexes share a distinctive white patch on their tails that is especially visible during flight. These sunbirds are commonly found in urban parks and gardens, making them a familiar sight even in bustling cities. Their diet consists mainly of nectar, making them important pollinators, but they will also eat insects and fruit.
February 2, 2025 at 11:26 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
Black-naped Terns (Sterna sumatrana) on Loyang Rocks, Singapore. #birds
Black-naped terns, with their striking white plumage and black cap, are a rare sight in Singapore and Southeast Asia. These agile birds are known for their dramatic dives into the sea to catch fish. Sadly, their population in Singapore has dwindled to around 100, making them an endangered species. Their only known breeding site, a rocky islet called Loyang Rock, is vulnerable to human disturbance, further threatening their survival. These terns were even featured on Singapore's old S$1 currency notes, highlighting their cultural significance.
January 30, 2025 at 3:00 AM
meropidae.bsky.social
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) #birds
The European Bee-eater, a vibrant bird with a striking appearance, is known for its fascinating behaviors and unique adaptations. These birds are highly social, often nesting in colonies and engaging in communal roosting and foraging. They are also skilled aerial acrobats, capable of catching bees and other flying insects in mid-air with remarkable precision. Before consuming their prey, they skillfully remove the stinger by repeatedly hitting the insect against a hard surface. Additionally, European Bee-eaters are long-distance migrants, undertaking impressive journeys between their breeding grounds in Europe and their wintering sites in Africa.
January 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
The Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus) #addBirder #birds
The Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus) is a spectacularly vibrant bird native to sub-Saharan Africa, easily recognized by its bright carmine-red body, turquoise-blue head, and black facial mask. These social birds often nest in colonies along riverbanks, digging long tunnels into sandy cliffs to lay their eggs. True to their name, they primarily feed on bees and other flying insects, catching them mid-air with remarkable agility. Interestingly, they sometimes perch on large animals like giraffes or even ride elephants to flush out prey from the grass.
January 18, 2025 at 12:21 PM
meropidae.bsky.social
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus). #addBirder #birds
The blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a strikingly colorful bird occasionally spotted in Singapore, typically during its migratory season. Known for its vibrant blue and green plumage with a distinct chestnut throat, this species thrives in open habitats like grasslands, sandbanks, and coastal areas. Bee-eaters are skilled aerial hunters, gracefully swooping through the air to catch bees, wasps, and other flying insects mid-flight. Despite their love for stinging prey, these birds skillfully remove the sting by repeatedly striking the insect against a hard surface before consumption. Though not a common resident, Singapore’s wetlands and nature reserves occasionally attract these fascinating visitors, making them a delight for birdwatchers and photographers.
January 18, 2025 at 8:24 AM