Long-tailed Shrike Casting A Pellet

on 17th March 2014

“Sharing this video of a Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) in the process of casting a pellet. It was made with a few still images that were taken in sequence.

“It was an amazing experience and my pleasure to watch this confiding shrike from close. It took just 10 seconds from the time it started to gape slightly until the pellet was held briefly in its beak. The pellet was then dropped onto the ground below.

“The pellet is made up of compacted indigestible remains of food that the shrike had taken earlier. Instead of going through its digestion system and passed out through its rear, it is cast or regurgitated out from its mouth.”

Kwong Wai Chong
Singapore
10th March 2013

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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