Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher casting pellet

YC Wee
on 13th April 2010

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Earlier, Kennie Pan videoed an Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca) casting a pellet. This time around, he managed to photograph the casting, being alerted by the bobbing of the kingfisher’s head. So he got his camera ready…

The bird gaped and bobbed its head to show its tongue (above left). Then suddenly a dark round pellet appeared (above right) and dropped onto the ground. Immediately after, the kingfisher’s left eye was covered with its nictitating membrane (left) – an indication that it was about to go to sleep?

Images by Kennie Pan.

This post is a cooperative effort between NaturePixels.org and BESG to bring the study of bird behaviour through photography to a wider audience.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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From watching birdwatchers to watching birds

20th July 2024

Bird Society of Singapore: A credible alternative to the Nature Society’s Bird Group

11th December 2023

Singapore-Nature: 17. Citizen Science

30th August 2023

Singapore-Nature: 16. Living close to nature

18th August 2023

3 responses

  2. If there is water below, it would be far too low for the splash to have any effect. The membrane is also used to clean the eye.

    Reply
  3. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Blue-eared Kingfisher casting pellet

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