This is very interesting. The behaviour, eye narrowing or closing when feeding, was very evident when 3 birds were at Kelly Swamp in 2011. It does not seem to depend on water depth. It might
depend on whether there is nearby protruding veg. Most other birds including Latham’s Snipe do not appear to engage in the behaviour, or to the same extent. Getting out of my depth here, and not much evidence, but it does not seem to be reflexive. On the
other hand it does seem to be reflexive in pigeons. When pigeons (say Rock Dove or Crested Pigeon) peck at seed with a peck every one second or so, the eye seems to close with each peck. This could be explored further with video.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of calyptorhynchus via Canberrabirds
Sent: Saturday, November 4, 2023 7:07 PM
To: ;
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Painted Snipe
Tell me about it, I had to endure 20 years of it…
I should clarify what I mean… as the bird lowers its beak into the water when feeding it closes its eyes even though they are still above the surface. I guess this is in case it has to make a sudden lunge taking its head underwater.
On Sat, 4 Nov 2023 at 18:41 <> wrote:
The APS (Public Service) is like that when in the mud.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of calyptorhynchus via Canberrabirds
Sent: Saturday, 4 November 2023 17:54
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Painted Snipe
I caught up with it today, thanks to those who provided me with information.
One interesting observation I have made after studying my photos is that the APS closes its eyes when probing in the water/mud.
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