Nature can be cruel, these photos are not meant to shock you but depict a previously un-photographed event. It has been recorded on numerous occasions where Forktailed Drongo's have caught and eaten small birds that weigh about 8 to 10 grams, the Magpie Mannikin however weighs on average 16 grams. The Drongo's normal diet consists of insects, however last year I recorded the event where one bird was catching Bronze Mannikins and eating them.
In less than 10 minutes 85% of the Magpie Mannikin had been consumed by the Drongo before he flew off with the balance to a spot where he would not be disturbed. At one point another Magpie Mannikin landed in the tree above the Drongo and watched what was going on, I wonder if it was the partner of the Drongo's meal.
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| Forktailed Drongo sitting in the tree with his catch |
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| Starting to eat, you can see a bit of flesh to the left of the Drongo's beak |
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| Pecking at the neck |
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| Pulling at a piece of flesh |
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| Holding his catch - almost through the neck |
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| Getting a better grip |
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| Head is almost gone, you can see the Mannikin's beak |
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| Tugging at his food |
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| Where now? |
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| Almost off |
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| Time to start on the body |
Brilliant pictures. Yes nature can be very cruel at times. Well done Andrew!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a sighting! Brilliant photographs - well done.
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