Utilisation of Anvils by the Trinidad Motmot (Momotus bahamensis) in Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago

Authors

  • Mike G. Rutherford The University of the West Indies Zoology Museum, Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago
  • Giovanni. Bianco School of Life Sciences, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK

Keywords:

predation, feeding, behaviour, anvil, Plekocheilus glaber

Abstract

In June 2012 the remains of terrestrial snail shells were found next to rocks on forest paths in several locations in northeastern Tobago, W.I. It was surmised that an avian predator had been responsible. In June-July 2013 camera trapping and direct filming revealed that a Trinidad Motmot (Momotus bahamensis) was using the rocks as anvils to break open snail shells and other hard-bodied prey items.

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Published

2014-12-31

Issue

Living World 2014

Section

Research Papers