Oriental Magpie-robin casting a pellet

on 14th March 2016

MagpieRobinO-peller [LuceSam] 1

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.

MagpieRobinO-peller [LuceSam] 2

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.

MagpieRobinO-peller [LuceSam] 3

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.

MagpieRobinO-peller [LuceSam] 4

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.

MagpieRobinO-peller [LuceSam] 5

Now we have magpie-robin to add to the list.

MagpieRobinO-peller [LuceSam] 6

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.

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

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