Javan Myna Anting Asian weaver ant

This Javan Myna was photographed at my backyard. When I look at a camera LCD, these two insects are hanging at the tail feather of a Myna.  Close-up of the insect identifed as "kerengga" Asian weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina)

Anting is a maintenance behavior during which birds rub insects, usually ants, on their feathers and skin. The bird may pick up the insects in its bill and rub them on the body (active anting), or the bird may lie in an area of high density of the insects and perform dust bathing-like movements (passive anting). The insects secrete liquids containing chemicals such as formic acid, which can act as an insecticide, miticide, fungicide, or bactericide. Alternatively, anting could make the insects edible by removing the distasteful acid, or possibly supplement the bird's own preen oil. Instead of ants, birds can also use millipedes. (Wikipedia)

Kerengga di ekor Tiong

Javan Mynas have been reported to use anting as a means of feather maintenance, where they rub insects, usually ants, directly onto their feathers and skin. This behaviour forces the insects to secrete formic acid which acts as an insecticide and bactericide. (Bird of the World)

Javan Myna drinking water puddles on the road

Javan myna (Acridotheres javanicus)

Spotted this Javan Myna drinking water puddle in front of my house.

Birds, like all animals, need water for survival, and their water intake is crucial for various bodily functions, including nutrient transport, temperature regulation, and waste removal. Water intake can vary depending on factors like age, environmental conditions, and species.

close up of the beak

Initially, I thought it was a Jungle Myna, but when googled the internet, it is not a jungle but a Javan.

"Possibly the best feature is the bluish colour of the base of the Jungle Myna bills (dark looking in the field). Even this can be hard at times." - Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS - 

Bird Ecology Study Group  < link

The Javan myna is native to Java, Indonesia, and has been introduced to southeastern Thailand, southern Malaysia (now widely spread through Peninsula Malaysia), Singapore, Sumatra, the Lesser Sundas, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Japan and Nepal. It is found in cities and cultivated areas.

(info Wikipedia)

~Bird and Nature Photography~