It is definitely one of the best ways to start the day. My first meal of the day is also often accompanied by the calls of the Common Myna as there is a family nesting on my roof.
On this particular morning, I was greeted by a Common Myna staring at me with its face stuffed full when I looked across towards the palm trees!
Quite a sight!
I couldn't help myself and had to laugh at it.
It was not just one but several termites clasped between its beak in such a way that it looked almost as if it was about to hand me a little flower! But of course, these would be breakfast for the nestlings!
In recent weeks, there have been quite some rain in the evenings. And with it, termite swarms after the rain. Not that I actually saw any swarms but I have swept up some of the wings that they had left behind, an indicator of a termite colony in the vicinity. They must have been trying to get indoor towards the light. I am glad my windows and doors had been shut!
Swarms occur at different times of the year and day. Research have shown that only a small percentage of the termite swarm would survive to form new colonies. A big number of these termites would be eaten by predators or die from natural causes and environmental conditions before they can even find a mate or a nesting site. Birds, bats and other insects are among the predators that would feed on these termites.
Looks to me these Mynas have been having a feast!
