Unusual Bird Behavior: Oriental Pied Hornbill Turns from Foster Parent to Predator
Wildbuzz | Foster mum as a cradle killer
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
In Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens, a female oriental pied hornbill initially fostered Indian grey hornbill chicks but later preyed on them. This behavior highlights a complex relationship between species and the phenomenon of interspecific feeding, documented in various bird species across India.
- 01The female oriental pied hornbill (OPH) initially provided food for Indian grey hornbill (IGH) chicks in a nest at Lodhi Gardens, Delhi.
- 02Later, the OPH exhibited predatory behavior by taking an IGH egg and a chick, showcasing a shift from nurturing to predation.
- 03Research indicates that OPH is known for infanticide, having been observed in Singapore killing weaker chicks to feed stronger siblings.
- 04Interspecific feeding, where one species feeds the young of another, is documented in various bird species in India, including the red-vented bulbul.
- 05A study by Lenka Harmáčková compiled 186 cases of interspecific feeding across 107 species, highlighting the complexity of bird feeding behaviors.
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In Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens, a remarkable case of interspecific behavior has emerged involving two hornbill species: the Indian grey hornbill (IGH) and the oriental pied hornbill (OPH). Initially, a female OPH took on the role of a foster mother, providing food for the IGH chicks, including figs and even a juvenile red-vented bulbul. However, this nurturing behavior took a dark turn when the OPH later preyed on the IGH nest, stealing an egg and a chick. This transformation from caregiver to predator is not unique; the OPH has a history of such behavior, including documented cases of infanticide in Singapore. The phenomenon of interspecific feeding is well-studied, with various bird species in India, such as the red-vented bulbul, also engaging in this behavior. Research indicates that mateless birds, like the OPH in this case, often partake in such feeding behaviors, raising questions about the motivations and ecological implications of these interactions.
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The behavior of the OPH could affect local bird populations and their nesting strategies, highlighting ecological interactions in urban environments.
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