Oriental Pied Hornbill scratching its head

on 26th June 2019
Head scratching – video grab.

The Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), as seen in the video below, is scratching its head. Note that the left leg arises from the above of its left wing. This is the indirect method as seen among arboreal birds.

Normal speed may not show the rising of the left leg above the wing clearly, so a slow motion segment is provided below.

There are two ways of scratching the head – direct and indirect methods. The direct method involves raising the foot from under the wing LINK. This is seen mainly among terrestrial birds. However, among arboreal birds like sunbirds and hornbills, the indirect method is used. This method involves the leg extending over the wing to reach the head – see HERE.

Now why do birds need to scratch the head in the first place? Obviously when there is an itch on the head. The foot is used, as using the bill is out of the question. The foot is also used to preen the head feathers LINK.

YC Wee
Singapore
20th June 2019

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories
Archives

Overall visits (since 2005)

Clustrmaps (since 2016)