A novel observation of food dunking in the Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen

E. Drinkwater, J. Ryeland, T. Haff, K. D. L. Umbers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We document putative food-dunking behaviour in the Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen. While conducting an experiment on the Mountain Katydid Acripeza reticulata, we presented one to a wild adult Magpie, which appeared to conduct 'dunking behaviour' while processing the insect. The Magpie carried the katydid to a puddle of water, dunked the katydid, and then dropped it. A nearby juvenile Magpie then retrieved the katydid and performed the same dunking behaviour before eating the katydid. To our knowledge, this is the frst reported instance of food dunking by Australian Magpies. We hope this observation will facilitate future investigations into behavioural adaptations to dietary choices of Magpies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)95-97
Number of pages3
JournalAustralian Field Ornithology
Volume34
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Australian magpie
  • feeding behavior

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