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Common Iora
Aegithina tiphia
Kunyit Kecil (Malay)

The Common Iora is quite common in Singapore, but often missed because they hunt high up in the canopy.

The smallest in their family, these birds are so successful because of their varied diet. They eat mainly insects. Restless, active hunters, Common Ioras search for insects from leaves in the upper storeys of trees, sometimes even hanging upside down from branches. They may also catch insects on the wing. Occasionally, they may eat fruits such as the berries of epiphytes growing in tall trees (e.g., mistletoe). They feed in pairs or small groups. Like other Ioras, they are noisy and active, and may sing almost all the time.

Breeding: During breeding season (April-June), the male becomes even brighter yellow. He performs an acrobatic courtship display, darting up into the air fluffing up all feathers, especially those on the rump, then spiralling down to the original perch. Once he lands, he spreads his tail like a little peacock, drooping his wings. All to the accompaniment of whistles and chirrups.
Mangrove and wetland wildlife at
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Main features:
Small (15cm); wings black with white bars; underparts yellow; upperparts olive-green to black; tail dark.

Male: Black crown; back dark green to black, contrasting well with bright golden yellow underparts. Moulting males lack the black crown and dark back.

Female: Duller yellow forehead, eyebrow and underparts; olive-green crown and upperparts.
male common iora (seeking permission for use)

Male

Photo
from
Briffett
female common iora
Female
Photo from
Morten Strange
Call: Described as wheezing, variable churrs, chattering and whistles; trill; clear whistled pui-puoor-pui; a mournful wheeeee-tiu.

In flight: Rump appears white due to overlap of long flank feathers.

Status in Singapore: Very common resident throughout the island and North and South offshore islands.

World distribution: India to Southwest China, Southeast Asia.

Classification: Family Chloropseidae (Ioras and Leafbirds). World 12 species, Singapore 4 species.
The Common Iora's nest is carefully built on the fork at the end of branch of a small tree. It is small, loose, deep, cup-shaped. It is made out of grass and other fibres felted together and plastered with spider webs on the outside. Usually 3 greenish white eggs are laid. They are pale buff with red-brown spots and blotches.

Status and threats: Common Ioras are widespread and not considered at risk in Singapore. Originally mangrove birds, they are now also found in scrub, cultivated areas and gardens. In fact, they are now found in almost all kinds of habitats, except the deep forest.
common iora on its nest
Photo from
Morten Strange

REFERENCES
  To buy these references & others, visit
Nature's Niche
  • Morten Strange, "A Photographic Guide to Birds of Malaysia and Singapore: including Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Borneo", Periplus, 2000 (p. 231: description, voice, habits, distribution, status, photo).
  • Lim Kim Seng, "Pocket Checklist of the Birds of the Republic of Singapore", Nature Society (Singapore), 1999 (Abundance, status, Chinese and Malay names).
  • Morten Strange, "Birds of Southeast Asia: A photographic guide to the birds of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia", New Holland, 1998 (p. 62: photo, facts).
  • Lim Kim Seng and Dana Gardner, "Birds: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Birds of Singapore", Sun Tree, 1997 (p. 97: identification, status in Singapore, distribution, diagram, number of species).
  • G W H Davison and Chew Yen Fook, "A Photographic Guide to Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore", New Holland, 1995 (p. 88: identification, status in Singapore, distribution, photo).
  • Clive Briffett, "A Guide to the Common Birds of Singapore", BP Science Centre,1992 (p. 97: habit, habitat).
  • Morten Strange and Allen Jeyarajasingam, "Birds: A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore", Sun Tree, 1993 (p. 53: description, distribution, habits, habitat, photo).
  • Lim Kim Seng, "Vanishing Birds of Singapore", Nature Society (Singapore), 1992 (p. 13: status in Singapore).
  • Science Club, River Valley High School, "A Guide to the Flora and Fauna of Schools in Singapore", Hillview Publications, 1991 (p. 138: description, habits, habitat, diagram).
  • Christopher Hails, "Birds of Singapore" illustrated by Frank Jarvis, Times Editions, 1987 reprinted 1995 (p. 117: habits, description, status in Singapore, and lovely drawings of the birds).
  • M W F Tweedie, "Common Birds of the Malay Peninsula", Longman,1970 (p. 44: description, distribution, habits, habitat, drawing).
  • G C Madoc, "An Introduction to Malayan Birds", Malayan Nature Society, 1947 (p. 159-160: description, habits, habitat).
  • Sir John A S Bucknill and E N Chasen, "Birds of Singapore and South-East Asia", Tynron Press, 1927, edition 1990 (p. 177-178: identification, status in Singapore, distribution, field notes on habits, drawings).
  • Dr. Harold G Cogger (et. al), "Encyclopedia of Animals"; Bulbuls and Leafbirds by P A Clancey, 1993 (p. 397-8: habits).
 
By Ria Tan, 2001