Scientific Name: Acridotheres javanicus
English Name: Javan Myna
Observed in: Anywhere
Local Status: Very Common Resident
Observed Timing: Anytime
シンガポールを訪れる者であれば必ず目にするといって差し支えないだろう。街中に溢れかえっており、ホーカーセンターやレストランで残飯をつつき、店員に追い払われるというのは、もはやシンガポールの日常の光景である。また、日暮れの時には街路樹におびただしい数が集まって騒ぎ立てている様子を目にする。人間を恐れず至近距離まで寄ってくるふてぶてしさもあって、どちらかというと害鳥の扱いを受けている。しかし、よくよく見ると愛嬌のある風貌をしており、日常に溢れかえっているからこそ、様々なシーンにであることもできる。当種を敢えて街中で真剣にとるのも、面白い試みに違いない。
Anyone who visits Singapore is almost certain to encounter this bird. They are everywhere across the city, pecking at leftovers in hawker centers and restaurants, only to be chased away by staff—a daily scene that has become part of Singapore’s urban life.
At dusk, you can often witness huge flocks gathering in roadside trees, noisily jostling for space. With their brazen attitude, showing little fear of humans and approaching to very close distances, they are often regarded more as pests than wildlife.
However, if you take a closer look, you’ll notice they have a certain charm in their appearance.
And because they are so deeply woven into everyday life, you get the chance to photograph them in all kinds of different settings.
Taking the time to seriously capture this species against the backdrop of the city could definitely make for an interesting and rewarding project.