The Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix
argentauris) was once placed in the large Old World babbler family Timaliidae.
However this family has been split with this species being placed with the
laughingthrushes in the new family Leiothrichidae. There’re 7 described
subspecies, with considerable variation in plumage between them. Hence, more
research is required to establish if this represents a single species or not.
Though, this species is sometimes placed in its own genus Mesia, or in the
genus Leiothrix with the red-billed leiothrix. The bird is usually resident
although it has been reported as a winter migrant to Nameri National Park in
Assam, India, which implies that the species may be an altitudinal migrant.
The species has been introduced
to Hong Kong from captive stock derived from caged birds. The bird’s upper part
has a multicolor, but dull olive back wings in red and Silver. There is the
black head and large silver patch on the ear. The under part is yellow.
Moreover, throat and the patch behind the head is orange yellow followed by a
grey back ending in bright orange red before the tail. The prominent colors are
orange-yellow flight feathers with a red base. The silver-eared Mesia is a
seasonal breeder, lasting from Nov to Aug. Both male and female are participate
in building the nest, takes about 4 days to build and is placed near ground
level or up to 2m up in a bush. The two to five eggs normally are white with
light but rich madder-brown spots. Both parents incubate the eggs, with the
female incubating the eggs during the night. In fact the eggs are incubated for
13 to 14 days and both male and female feed the chicks, which fledge after 12
days, and parental care lasts for a further 22 days after fledging.
The eye-catching Silver-eared Mesia
is a local resident in the foothills of the Himalayas. The birds like cool
climate, but it is also a resident of the sub-montane forest of Peninsula
Malaysia. Nevertheless the Silver-eared Mesia is the icon for the Frasers
Hills. Like the residents in all other countries of Western China, Indochina
and Sumatra. The beautiful multicolor Mesia live in bushes of forest edge. The Mesia
food is insect but it does wait for definite berries of the under growth. Moreover,
the bird like to travels in group together with bird waves or just by
themselves.
Their presence in the area is
alerted by the loud call of the male otherwise most times, soft murmuring
whispers as long as they are around. In most of the hill stations in Malaysia,
you need not search or wait long; the bird will make its appearance. Therefore,
in a certain season, the birds are more readily available in large numbers. However,
in other times, frequency of meeting up is further apart and also less birds
seen. So far Silver-eared Mesia in a large numbers in the wild and plenty of
it, let's enjoy watching the birds in freedom. In Malaysia, you need not search
or wait long; the bird will make its appearance.
