The recent post on birds and their reflections showcasing an Australian crow as well as a Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) and an Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) has unearthed another case of such behaviour.
Susan Wong Chor Mun reported on the anitcs of a male Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Anthreptes singalensis) that was attracted to its own reflection from her car’s side mirror (left). The bird thought there was another male around.
“He was very fierce then. He kept pecking at the reflection of himself and vigorously jumping here and there… and then kept scratching at his own reflection again and again… he was doing such stuff for more than 30 mins.
“…He climbed to the top of the mirror, kept chirping very loudly…
“He kept pecking, scratching at his own image vigorously… jumping up and down…
“Haiyoh… if the side mirror is made of fragile glass, surely it would shatter.
“I heard of many reports of birds during their migration flights when they accidentally hit the building glass and ooops…. they die. Those are usually birds that migrate at night eg. Black-backed Kingfisher(Ceyx erithacus) and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia).
As Veery commented on the earlier post, “such behaviour is so universal and great fun to watch.” Yes, it is fascinating, seeing so many different species behaving the same way the moment they see their reflection. If anyone has images of other species, please send them over. We will be happy to post them.
Susan’s original posting is HERE.
