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Feeding the Swallow Chicks
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parent approaches bearing food |
A parent returns to the nest where the young are patiently awaiting feeding.
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The parent has only a few milliseconds during final approach to make the choice of which chick gets first bite at the prey. |
which to feed? |
first to be fed |
A swift choice and the chick furthest from the nest is chosen as the first to be fed. |
This is no way deters the siblings from keeping up a sustained cheeping and beak-open thrust at the parent while the food is deposited deep down the chick's throat. |
the next in line receives the left-overs |
On this occassion there is too much for one chick to easily consume, the parent moves on to the next in line who receives the left-overs |
Meanwhile. at another nest a few feet away ....
These chicks haven't ventured out of the nest yet - but the same sequence is carried out.
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No chance of escape |
The transfer is carried out by docking securely with the chicks mouth - this allows no possibility of escape for the often-still-struggling insect. |
| Continue your exploration of wildlife at Middle Path...... |
| With feathers:- | |
| With fur:- | With scales:- |
| With none of the above:- | |
| With us:- |
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This document (www.middlepath.com.au/about/birds_swallows_feeding.php) was last updated on Monday June 16th 2008 || email
Please Note: While we believe the information we offer is true and valid through our own observations and experiences and we offer it freely with a sincere desire to help our fellow man, woman and child we feel it prudent to include the following as a precautionary device given various “authoritys” current attitude towards our work: |
