The Large-tailed Nightjar and the spider
Posted by BESG on 6 January 08, Sunday
Contributed by Johnny Wee
The Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is insectivorous. It feeds at dusk and just before dawn, sallying from a perch or even from the ground. It often perches on wiring immediately above street lamps, catching insects attracted to the light.
Its diet consists mostly of night-flying winged insects that are mostly taken and swallowed on the wing. Food may also be gleaned from leaves, twigs, branches or even from the ground.
The wide gape lined with long, tactile rictal bristles helps it to locate and channel small insects into its mouth as the bird flies around trawling for them. Larger insects are simply caught between the bill.
It has been recorded that it takes moths, crickets, grasshoppers, wasps, earwigs, bugs and beetles.
I suppose spiders are also taken.
The attached images show a small spider that has landed on the head of this bird. Obviously it is safe there as the bird is not able to reach it. However, this would not be the case should the spider moves away. It could then become an instant snack.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. |
Categories: Feeding strategy
Comment by Nona
Made Tuesday, 8 of January , 2008 at 4:16 am
It could also be due to the night jar sleeping hence the spider could survive. Night jars do sleep during the day right?
Comment by YC
Made Tuesday, 8 of January , 2008 at 8:37 am
Yes, it does sleep during the day. A point to consider. But is this bird sleeping? With its eyes half closed? But it may well be woken up by the presence of the photographer.
Comment by Ding Li
Made Sunday, 13 of January , 2008 at 7:29 pm
Hi YC,
Interesting observation. This little green guy look like a jumping spider, a Salticid. Probably an Epeus flavobilineatus. But Viciria and Telamonia share some similarities too
Comment by YC
Made Sunday, 13 of January , 2008 at 8:18 pm
Thanks for the ID, Ding Li.
