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Zebra Ducks foraging for food by vortexing

on 30th June 2014

“The photo above shows a few Zebra Ducks or pink eared ducks (Malachorhynchus membranaceus) with a pied stilt (Himantopus himantopus). The pink ear is clearly visible in a few of the ducks.

“The video above shows a pair of zebra ducks concentrating plankton by creating a water vortex. The typical head to tail position can be seen here.

“The square tip of the spatula shaped bill is also clearly visible. The ducks take in plankton-rich water through the square tip of the bill and force the water out through grooves on the sides of the bills. Microorganisms in the water are strained out efficiently in this manner.

“An Australian Shoveler (Anas rhychotis) duck took the opportunity to help itself to the rich food source as it swam past.

“Another clip above shows five pairs of ducks vortexing for food.”

Teo Lee Wei & K
Singapore
24th May 2014

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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