“Sunning is a behaviour believed to help birds keep their feathers in good shape and free of parasites. The fascinating images of Blue-Throated Bee-Eaters (Merops viridis) sunning in different postures have been posted recently. Attached are images of a Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) sunning itself in the early morning sun. Its posture was different to and not as eccentric as the bee-eaters.
“It was first observed to be sunning its back in an upright position (above left). Later it flapped its wings and lifted itself to the top of the bushes (above right). It laid there with outspread wings and continue with its sun bath (below left). Generally, it remained still except when looking around and preening its feathers (below right). Occasionally, its feathers were ruffled up. Perhaps ruffled feathers will help the ultraviolet rays reach its inner feathers that are normally not exposed for a more effective sun bath.”
Kwong Wai Chong
Singapore
5th June 2010
