Laughing Kookaburra casting pellet?

Lena Chow’s video clip of a Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) was documented in Perth last year.

The kookaburra had just swallowed a lizard. “Not sure if it’s having a problem getting the lizard down, or pellet casting, but it looked slightly uncomfortable. Interesting to see it swinging its head as if bashing an imaginary lizard on the branch,” wrote Lena.

Kingfishers normally cast pellets after meals and kookaburras are no different. Any comments anyone?

Lena Chow
Singapore
February 2013