The six images presented here are by photographer Luce Sam. They show an Oriental Magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) in the act of casting a pellet.
The images are in sequence, starting from the top where the magpie-robin gaped widely, to turn its head from side to side as if wanting to vomit.
The image second from the bottom clearly shows the pellet appearing from the gape. With the head somewhat lowered, the pellet easily slips out, to disappear on the ground below.
Since BESG started posting pellet casting by our local birds in April 2006, we have so far documented baza, bee-eater, flycatcher, heron, kingfisher, kite, koel, owl, redstart and shrike casting pellets.
Now we have magpie-robin to add to the list.
For those interested in knowing more about pellet casting, please click this link.
Images courtesy of Luce Sam.
This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.