Kleptoparasitism among juvenile Brahminy Kites

David Fur’s image shows a Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) being attacked by juvenile Brahminy Kites (Haliastur indus). The kites were trying to snatch the snake caught by the adjutant.

Kleptoparasitism, the stealing of food from an individual of the same or another species, is rather uncommon in birds. But kites commonly indulge in such piracy, especially the juveniles as they have yet to hone their hunting skills.

Drongos also indulge in kleptoparasitism, snatching food from smaller birds as well as mammal species – see HERE.

David Fur
Singapore
26th November 2016

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.