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Pied Currawongs feeding on Kurrajong seeds

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Subject: Pied Currawongs feeding on Kurrajong seeds
From: brian fleming <>
Date: Fri, 19 May 2006 10:18:53 +1000
Yesterday afternoon as we walked along The Boulevard in Ivanhoe, we heard a lot of crackling and rattling noises in a Kurrajong tree. This proved to be the sound effects of four Pied Currawongs (two adults, two younger birds with greyish tinges) pecking the seeds from the dry open pods. They were feeding intently and not calling at all. I had always wondered what ate the seeds and left the empty pods lying on the ground. I have been told that the seeds can be eaten by humans, providing they are thoroughly rubbed clean of the irritating hairs which surround them in the pod. I don't know if they should be cooked or not.. I don't think Kurrajong trees are native to the area but there are quite a few planted locally on roadsides and in reserves and gardens. Currrawongs also eat the seeds of Melia azederach (White Cedar) but these are said to be poisonous to humans. Just proves that you cant always follow the example of birds and animals.

Anthea Fleming
in Ivanhoe, Vic.
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