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White-Crested Laughingthrushes and Prey

on 10th October 2011

“The White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus) is a rather gregarious, sociable species that often forage in groups. It is not a native species in Singapore; but has established itself as a feral species. It can be found from the Southern Ridges in the South to Bukit Batok Nature Park in the west.

“A flock consisting of both adults and juveniles was recently encountered foraging on the ground. The adults and juveniles were similar in appearance but juveniles can be distinguished from adults by the presence of yellowish oral flanges at their gapes.

“One juvenile was observed busily pecking at something before pulling out a prey. At first, the prey was thought to be a large worm. After examining the processed images, a small snake seemed to be a possibility. Wondering now whether this was a worm or a snake. Can anyone kindly ID the prey?

“We have records of how some prey are processed by birds. The usual method is to bash the prey, presumably to kill or immobilise it, before consumption. The method used by this laughingthrush was different. Instead of the usual bashing, it attacked its prey by pecking at it repeatedly (above). This repeated pecking caused the prey’s outer skin covering to be ruptured, causing its internal contents to ooze out. In addition, the bird made use of its claws to grip onto the prey before using its bill to tug and pull at it with force. This particular prey must be tough as the bird was still handling it after close to two minutes. It then decided to fly into the undergrowth with the prey where it probably consumed it. Interestingly for me, this was the first time this species was seen with its claws clenched. It was even ‘tip-toeing’ on one of its claws.

“Another juvenile was seen catching a much smaller prey, which was likely to be an earthworm (above). This prey was relatively easier to handle. Although the prey managed to curl itself around the bird’s bill in a last-ditch effort to save itself, it was futile. The prey was swiftly dislodged from the bill with one quick jerking action. The bird then pierced the prey right in its mid section before swallowing it in a split second.”

Kwong Wai Chong
Singapore
1st October 2011

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.

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