Bassian Thrush Feeds By Flatulence

[hubag bohol]

Photo credit: JJ Harrison


Thrushes, including robins, are among the most average-looking birds. They are also among the world’s most widely distributed and successful birds. These midsize songbirds are found on lawns and in parks worldwide, looking (and not listening, as is commonly believed) for worms with a cocked head. There is a species of thrush from Australia that feeds by using flatulence to flush out worms.

The bassian thrush actually directs a stream of flatulence toward the site of a worm find. The gas apparently disturbs the worm and provokes movement. The otherwise ordinary-looking thrush is then able to effectively locate the worm and grab it for a quick meal. Producing gas on repeated occasions while feeding is certainly one of the most bizarre known adaptations of physiology and bird behavior.

[hubag bohol]

The bassian thrush actually directs a stream of flatulence toward the site of a worm find. The gas apparently disturbs the worm and provokes movement. The otherwise ordinary-looking thrush is then able to effectively locate the worm and grab it for a quick meal.

Bwahaha! Bilyako!

[islander]

if humans could do the same, there would be no wars.  except of course the war of asses.

[hubag bohol]

Mao na ni ron. Maghawod-hawod na ang mga palautot.

[islander]

i cannot imagine how it would be if those gifted ones you call 'palauot' would go nuclear.