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Flush-pursuit foraging in birds

on 5th October 2018

Flush-pursuit foraging is defined as startling prey which is then chased down and eaten (Hill, 2010). The prey can be pursued and captured on the ground or in flight. This is also known as “scaring up a meal”.

Javan Myna showing large white patch on its wing – image by KC Tsang.

Birds indulging in flush foraging usually have bold patches of white or pale feathers on their wings or tail. These patches are flashed where prey might be hiding, usually on grassy patches or foliage.

Dollarbird with white patch on each of its wings – image by James Wong.

Studies on Redstarts (Myioborus spp.) showed that when the white patches on their wings and tail were masked with black markers, their prey-capture rates were much reduced as compared to when they were not masked (Hill, 2010).

Pied Fantail with white patch on its tail feathers -image by Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS.

The most common local species with a white patch on the wings is the Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) (above). This is also seen in the Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis). White patch on tail feathers is seen in Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica)

YC Wee
Singapore
7th July 2018

Reference:
Hill, G. E. (2010). National Geographic bird coloration. National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C. 255pp.

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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