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Shining Bronze-Cuckoo

Shining Bronze-Cuckoo (Image ID 47088)
Photographed bySteve Mantle on Wed 6th Nov, 2019 and uploaded on Tue 13th Jul, 2021 .
Resolution1800x978
Viewed205
ID47088
CommentOne in a late afternoon multi-image series of this SBC catching, tenderising, and eating this Monarch Caterpillar. Interestingly, the monarch larva contain a toxin derived from the milky sap of milkweed, and their bright stripes act as a warning to predators. Even more interesting is that Pied Currawongs and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes are the only birds who eat the caterpillars (and butterflies) 'holus-bolus' without suffering ill-effects. Some other birds, such as the SBC, have learned that if the larva is well and truly eviscerated, the remnants may also be eaten without ill-effect. Considering that the Monarch is not a native Aussie species (some say introduced as far back as 1871) it goes to show how some of our home grown species have developed strategies to deal with foreign invaders e.g. Australian Ravens and Cane Toads. Nature is amazing!
EquipmentCanon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM +1.4x III
ƒ/8 @560mm 1/1000 ISO800
Handheld
LocationPort Macquarie, New South Wales
Keywordsfeeding/with prey, adult
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