The above photos of series of steps a Barbet takes, to feed on a Guava fruit in our garden, caught my attention for the sequences in its feeding process.
There are a good co-ordinated movements involving the neck, beaks, biting, swallowing and pausing with extended neck before reaching out for the next mouthful.
This sequence is common with other Barbets also. This feeding method is species specific. The Barbets have an advantage because they have thick and long bills to bite a chunk of fruit at one time.
I noticed Barbets in the same tree on different occasions of the day, some looking for more ripe fruit!
The regret that I have is that, the Barbets relish the fruit much before they are ripe for us to eat!
The above sequences gave me an introduction to observe the art and practice of feeding that birds follow!
A garden is often educational and entertaining!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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