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Pellets from Tuas: 7. Black-shouldered Kite hunting mice

on 29th March 2015

Mice appear to be the major diet of the pair of Black-shouldered Kites (Elanus caeruleus) nesting in Tuas. The adult kites were regularly seen hunting mice from their favourite perch. From a high point a kite would patiently wait until a prey was spotted. It then dived down to disappear into the undergrowth for a short time. It would then appear, flying back to its original perch or to the nest. This was done in the early morning or at dusk.

As with raptors, the prey was caught with the sharp talons that most probably killed the victim instantly. The above image shows the kite flying off with a dead mouse. At other times the kite would decapitate the mouse while still on the ground before flying off (below).

If the prey was for the adult’s consumption, it would be brought back to its perch. The head, if still present, would be ripped off. The entrails would similarly be removed.

The flesh would then be torn off and swallowed until only bones were left. Any bits and pieces of flesh still attached to these bones would be picked off and eaten. The skin and tail of the mice would be swallowed (above).

One day both adults caught a mouse each. After removing the head, they flew back to their respective perch to rest. One adult then flew off with the prey, possibly to feed the chicks. The other adult remained and fed on the mouse (above, below).

According to Dr Leong Tzi Ming, the rat is possibly a young Malaysian Wood Rat (Rattus tiomanicus).

Chan Yoke Meng & Melinda Chan; with Dr Leong Tzi Ming (ID of rat)
Singapore
March 2015

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.

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