Thrushes and regurgitating seeds (1 Viewer)

[Hobbes2]

After Chris(Kten)'s gallery post a few days ago (http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/372908/ppuser/69033), I was very surprised to find I'd captured the same behaviour.

The attached series of shots were a burst of 3 frames taken in 1 second. The bird obviously regurgitated the stone/seed then swallowed it again during that 1 second. No idea why/what it was doing. Did you discover anything, Chris?

Thanks
Hobbes

 

[ChrisKten]

Not been out again yet, Hobbes, but maybe Friday if it's not raining. Hopefully I'll find a few more Song Thrushes and watch for the seed/pip while they sing.

I do see this with most birds, especially Jays; they bring nuts up from the crop. I figured it was just sort of repositioning the food in the crop. The Song Thrush was actually doing it between singing; which is what made me think of the "Pea in Whistle".

Was the bird in your pics singing?

(I'll be back a bit later)

 

[Hobbes2]

Hi Chris
thanks for your reply. I don't know if it was singing at the time or not. I wish I could remember. It's interesting that it's the same type of seed/pip as your Thrush had. I often find them in the bird bath too once they gone 'through' the bird (pigeons, I think). I'll keep an eye out for any more evidence/idea of what's going on.
Hobbes

 

[Fozzybear]

I often see the Starlings and Blackbirds in my garden regurgitating seeds, although I don't think I've ever seen one eat it once it has brought it up!