Search

Red-crowned Barbet drinking

on 13th December 2015

Birds are not often seen drinking water. This is because they get their water from the food they take. But how many of us take any notice of them when they do drink?

videograb
videograb

Jeremiah Loei’s video of a Red-crowned Barbet (Megalaima rafflesii) taking a drink in a forest pool highlights an interesting point.

The barbet, as with many other birds, is unable to suck in water. Instead it has to take small amounts, dipping its bill into the water to do so. And each time it does so, it tips back its head to allow the water to run down its throat.

However, pigeons and doves dip their bill into the water and suck up the water. They do not need to raise their bill upwards.

This is one occasion where videos can demonstrate how birds drink better than still shots.

And do we know what other species of our local birds drink like doves and pigeons? I am sure not many do.

Well, the next time you are out in the field and come across birds in and around water, keep and eye on how they drink – and in the process contribute to our local knowledge of bird behavior.

Jeremiah Loei
Singapore
December 2015

This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories
Archives

Overall visits (since 2005)

Live visitors
582
7956
Visitors Today
51601554
Total
Visitors

Clustrmaps (since 2016)