“On the 18th September 2014, I was able to creep up cautiously and observe the prolonged preening activity of White-breasted Waterhens (Amaurornis phoenicurus) at a local lotus pond (above).
“As they preened themselves, the waterhens would regularly bob their stumpy tails up in a comical fashion. Even without a mirror, they seemed somewhat conscious of their own appearance. Perhaps they were preparing for a date with a fellow waterhen and paying particular attention to personal grooming.
“Video clips of the waterhen preening may be previewed below.
“When the sun climbed higher in the sky, the waterhens were prompted to stretch out their wings and bask leisurely at the pond’s edge (below).
“A video clip of the waterhen sunning may be previewed below.”
Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
9th October 2014
One Response
Thanks! Found this very interesting. Nice video.