Thora the Thong bird

The Thong Bird ~ Thongyus discardus recyclafolia

Recently removed from the IUCN red list of threatened species due to increased sightings along the coastlines around the world, this species has made an amazing recovery since the WWF stepped in and warned conservation groups that if the beaches were cleaned up this bird would be gone forever.

Description ~ No two birds have the same plumage which makes them very difficult to identify, in fact, many birds are bi-plumal (left side differs from right). They are generally poor fliers and rarely take to the air except for periods of downhill gliding when the hinged leg joints assist with landing. This is an attribute only found along the Gulf coast of Peninsular Thailand.

Behavior and ecology ~ Thong Birds are shy and difficult to approach, particularly the Kipsiedoodle Thong Bird, which means that there is little information about its behaviour. When Thong Birds detect potential danger they will pause and scan their surroundings, then give an alarm call. Having done so, they will either flee the vicinity on foot, or seek cover in any litter/jetsam/flotsam nearby, another reason it is believed for being bi-plumal.

Vocalization ~ The Thong Bird is best known for its metronomic call which has no doubt also helped in saving this species from being sought after, unlike the Pycnonotus jocosus ~ Red Whiskered Bulbul, a highly prized singing bird in Asia. Although people have tried to kill this bird as the metronomic call got on their nerves. They are silent and do not call on winter, or when a towel is thrown over them ... a little tip which you may be glad of!

Habitat ~ Coastal, with sporadic inland sightings

Breeding ~ Very particular & rare. Has been spotted fraternizing with a
Larus argentatus - Herring Gull, an incomer, but generally prefer to keep the genes strong, so actively discouraged from mixing with outsiders.

Diet ~ Tropical fruits, seeds & nuts, and banana fritters when in season

A blast from my past... I had a lot of time on my hands, & a mountain of salvaged flip flops from walking the beaches where we lived in Thailand, resulting in numerous flip flop reincarnation. Thora was actually gifted to an arty best friend. Bet you're thinking yourself very fortunate not to be her. Anyway, I got a bit carried away as you will have noticed if you read the above speel.

Today Mum & I visited a local garden centre where I purchased 2 fruit trees for the plot, a 'Victoria' plum, & a pear, variety, 'Clapp' s Favourite'. Earlier I lifted leeks as it looked like it might rain. I dropped a bundle off to Mandy (horse poo supplier) , a bundle for Mr & Mrs Beresford, an elderly couple in CK. Mum also benifited, plus a bundle for us.
In memory of admirer for Silly Saturday.