Collared Kingfisher: Protective instinct
Posted by BESG on 27 September 07, Thursday
Contributed by Chan Yoke Meng
Most birds will try their best to distract potential predators from their nests, usually by feigning injury as seen with the Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) and Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus). The Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) has its very own strategy.
Others birds will actively attack intruders and the Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) is one of these (above). In an encounter by Chan Yoke Meng at a locations where nesting was earlier documented, the pair of concerned parents was fiercely protective of their recently fledged chick.
Both the adults were seen actively chasing away different species of birds that came too near the nesting tree.
These birds included Tanimbar Corella (Cacatua goffini), Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus), Spotted Wood Owl (Strix seloputo) and even the large Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) that flew by.
However, these kingfishers would not attack larger birds like hornbills.
I wonder whether they would attack birders and photographers who come too near their nest? Like in the case of the House Crow (Corvus splendens).
Image YC.
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Categories: Interspecific, Kingfishers
Comment by Forest Ang
Made Friday, 28 of September , 2007 at 5:30 pm
Could it be possible that hornbills were not attack as they were vegetarians?
I believe common birds (such as crows and mynah) will attack while uncommon birds rarely attack. That could be the reason why uncommon birds becoming rare while common birds multiply?
Comment by admin
Made Friday, 28 of September , 2007 at 8:16 pm
It could also be possible that hornbills are extra large…
