“I have mentioned aggression between Asian Openbills (Anastomus oscitans) in the past (August 2013) but have observed this activity more frequently since. Asian Openbills are noted to have aggressive behaviour at nesting sites but what I have observed intermittently is intraspecific aggressive interaction at feeding sites. One bird will attack another, often gripping the beak of the other bird firmly in its own with an ensuing struggle. There is also some amount of open-wing threatening behaviour. There is hardly any associated vocal responses (Asian Openbills have an absence of syrinx muscles, hence vocalisation is minimal). On this occasion I saw 4 episodes within 10 minutes, interspersed with feeding. Other birds around the pair in conflict appeared to disregard the activity. I do not yet understand what this social behaviour between Asian Openbills implies but suspect that it relates to feeding.
“A video recording of some episodes here:
“A video grab of the action posted at the top.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
25th April 2019
Location: Malim Nawar Wetlands, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Extensive ex-tin mining area with pond/lakes, wetlands, fish farming
