An observation of bone dust feeding by Speckled Mousebirds Colius striatus: an unusual dietary supplement in a folivorous bird

Abstract

Speckled Mousebirds Colius striatus, generally regarded as strict folivores, were observed over several months regularly feeding on bone dust in a suburban garden in Bethlehem. This behaviour suggests opportunistic intake of animal-derived nutrients, possibly for protein or mineral supplementation, but alternative explanations (taste, curiosity, training by other species) cannot be excluded. The repeated nature of the observations may indicate that such feeding is not incidental, but may reflect adaptive foraging under specific nutritional conditions or an adjustment in feeding behaviour in response to an available nutrient-rich resource.