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To: |
Mike Tarburton <> |
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Subject: |
Cicadas and Cocoons |
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From: |
Brian Fleming <> |
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Date: |
Wed, 13 Nov 2002 21:32:37 +1100 |
Following on from Edwin's and Mike's observations - down here in
Melbourne I have seen Blackfaced Cuckoo-shrikes capture a greengrocer
cicada, pull all wings and legs off and bash it about on a branch before
shoving it down throat of flying young. Rather scratchy and angular to
swallow I thought. BFCS also capture large Emperor Gum Moth
caterpillars.
Satin Bowerbirds seem to like Cicadas. I have seen a female feeding a
fledgling in the nest on the brown stage (newly emerged from the earth,
not yet having shed skin and pumped wings up). She brought two in rapid
succession - this was at Fraser National Park by Lake Eildon. I have
heard it suggested that SBBs don't breed very well unless there has been
a good cicada hatch.
Once at Melbourne Zoo I saw a Little Raven (free living) which found an
Emperor Gum Moth cocoon. He prised it off its twig and then hopped to a
bigger horizontal branch where he held it under his foot, pecked it open
and ate the contents. He then flew and walked about in the tree
inspecting twigs and branches - I presume checking for more cocoons.
The first cicadas were heard here (Ivanhoe) two days ago after a 30
degree day. They did not seem very numerous.
Anthea Fleming
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