Collared Kingfisher caught a vinegar crab

on 11th March 2012

Johnny Wee photographed a Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) with a vinegar crab (Episesarma sp.) in its bill. These smallish crabs are found in mangroves, living in burrows and often seen climbing along tree trunks to get out of the rising tide. They stay motionless to avoid the attention of predators, such as kingfishers and otters. Obviously this one failed to avoid being caught.

There are at least four species of these vinegar crabs in Singapore. They are so-called because in many parts of Southeast Asia they are caught and pickled in vinegar, fish sauce, soya sauce or salt. Teochew Chinese eat these pickled crabs with porridge, shell and all.

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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