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“Foot-trembling” feeding method of the Little Ringed Plover

on 24th November 2015

“I was watching some plovers today and was delighted to be able to document the ‘foot-trembling’ feeding method of the Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius curonicus).

“This feeding method has been described in this species since 1915 and also in a number of other shore birds (Simmons 1961). Many other foot movements associated with feeding in shore birds are also recognised (Simmons 1961, Sparks1961).

“’Foot-trembling’ is described as the rapid shaking of one leg at a time. Some authors sub-divide foot-trembling into two types, ‘foot-tapping’ – where the foot clearly hits the surface, and ‘leg-shaking’ – where the foot does not touch the surface (Simmons 1961, Armitage 2008).

“It is suggested that foot-trembling assists a bird to identify prey located below the surface or dislodge concealed prey.

“Please see the YouTube video recording of this activity, made using the Nikon Coolpix P900. It is a compilation of a number of recordings taken this morning.

“My observations were of two birds that were foraging together and may be a pair (no competition or aggression noted). Foot-trembling was used extensively for feeding and almost continually for long periods. Immediately after getting a prey the birds would dart forwards to a new site. When stopping the birds would assume a characteristic posture, standing on one leg and ‘foot-trembling’ the other. Either foot was used but there seemed to be a preference for the right foot (longer visual observations). A rapid oscillation is done, and literature suggests this is at a rate of 10 shakes per second (Osborne 1982). The ‘foot-trembling’ episodes usually last between 2-7 seconds, but occasionally much longer if there is no result (see one at the end of the recording). Usually the ‘foot-tapping’ style is used, where the foot is raised and hits the surface. Occasionally the ‘leg-shaking’ style is used, where the foot does not leave the surface but still creates a vibration.

“Prey is taken by beak probing in the mud. I noticed that often the prey that is taken is located about half to one length of the bird away (tip of beak to tip of tail distance).

“The two still images posted here show the characteristic leg posture and vibration in the water/mud.”

Useful Reference (all available online):
Simmons, K.E.L. (1961). Foot-movements in plovers and other birds. British Birds, 54: 34-39.
Sparks, J.H. (1961). The relationship between foot-movements and feeding in shore birds. British Birds, 54:337-340.
Armitage, I. (2008). Foot-trembling and beak probing by the shore plover (Thinornis ovaeseelandiae) on sandy beaches. Notornis, Vol. 55: 38-39.
Osborne, B.C. (1982). Foot-trembling and feeding behaviour in the Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Bird Study, 29:3, 209-212.

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
17th October 2015

Location: Malim Nawar Wetlands, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Extensive ex-tin mining area with extensive pond/lakes, wetlands, fish farming

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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