The lilac-breasted lemongrass (Scientific name: Dicaeum trigonostigma), also known as the lilac bird, is a small bird of the Dicaeidae family native to Southeast Asia. Known for its wide range of colors and unique beauty, the Lilac citronella is one of the favorite birds among bird watchers and collectors.
Describe
In the field, birds with large strong heads often sit alone in trees, they are almost unmistakable with colorful, colorful and eye-catching plumage.
True to their name, the chest of this bird is lilac purple, the forehead and throat are bright white, the head is green. The sides of the face, pulling down the chest are pale orange-pink, the back is brown, the outer wing feathers are purple, the belly feathers are light green.
Black beak with very strong pointed hook, brown eyes, small greenish-yellow legs. Both sexes are similar.
Lemongrass lilac has a weight of about 104 grams, a length of 36 – 38 cm (including the tail length from 8 – 9 cm) and a wingspan of 50 – 58 cm.
Habitat
Lemongrass is found in open savanna habitats, with scattered trees and shrubs, they are also found in open woodland and savanna, sometimes also in riparian vegetation… They seem to have little or no going to places where there are no trees.
This species of lemongrass seems to avoid areas of human disturbance, and is almost never found in rural areas, unless these places are truly desolate.
What does the lilac-breasted lemongrass bird eat?
Lemongrass lilac lives in pairs or small groups, but is more commonly found alone. They often perch on dead treetops, power poles, or other vantage points to easily observe their prey.
When prey is discovered, it quickly swoops down, the prey can be eaten on the ground, or carried away to familiar branches to eat.
The food of this bird includes: Insects – such as grasshoppers or beetles, they also eat arthropods, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds, rodents and even snakes…
Reproduction
Breeding season varies from place to place, but in Somalia it usually runs from late April to mid-September.
They are monogamous and highly territorial birds. Nests are made in natural hollows in trees, about 5 m above the ground, they can reuse the nests of woodpeckers or kingfishers, sometimes they can also nest in termite mounds.
The mother bird lays 2-4 eggs, both males and females take turns incubating for about 22-24 days, the chicks after birth will be cared for for another 19 days before leaving the nest.
Conservation status
The lilac-breasted lemongrass has a fairly wide distribution and stable numbers, so they are considered the species of least concern.
Longevity
The life expectancy of the lilac-breasted lemongrass bird is about 14 years
By studying and understanding the lilac-breasted lemongrass and other birds, we can discover more about the diversity and preciousness of the animal world. Let’s respect and appreciate the protection of birds and their habitat, so that colorful species like Lemongrass and Lilac lilac can still exist and create more beauty for our planet.