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Collared Kingfisher: Protective instinct

on 27th September 2007

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.

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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).

Chan Yoke Meng
Singapore
September 2007

(Image by YC Wee)

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

One Response

  1. 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?

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