Weedon Island Preserve
This term describes a relationship between two species in which one benefits (the herons and egrets) and the other (ibis) derives neither benefit nor harm.
Feeding White Ibis
Notice the "sewing machine-like" movement of the bill
The ibises are feeding by touch, not by sight.
Often a heron (Little Blue Heron)
or a Snowy Egret
will feed right along side an ibis.
The rapid probing of the ibis's bill stirs up fish and small invertebrates which benefits the herons and egrets who devour them readily. The presence of the herons and egrets along side of the ibises doesn't appear to benefit the ibises at all.
Mother Nature at work!
Notice the "sewing machine-like" movement of the bill
The ibises are feeding by touch, not by sight.
Often a heron (Little Blue Heron)
or a Snowy Egret
will feed right along side an ibis.
The rapid probing of the ibis's bill stirs up fish and small invertebrates which benefits the herons and egrets who devour them readily. The presence of the herons and egrets along side of the ibises doesn't appear to benefit the ibises at all.
Mother Nature at work!
No comments:
Post a Comment