Moore and Battley (2003): Cockle-opening by a dabbling duck, the Brown Teal.
Moore, S.J. & Battley, P.F. 2003. Cockle-opening by a dabbling duck, the Brown Teal. Waterbirds 26: 331-334.
Many birds feed on bivalves, but only oystercatchers (Haematopus spp.) are known to prise open the shells. Brown Teal (Anas chlorotis), a dabbling duck endemic to New Zealand, were observed opening Common Cockles (Austrovenus stutchburyi) on Great Barrier Island. The teal jack-hammered into the open shells of feeding cockles and quickly scooped out the flesh. Despite having the bill morphology of a typical dabbling duck, they were adept at this feeding method.
Many birds feed on bivalves, but only oystercatchers (Haematopus spp.) are known to prise open the shells. Brown Teal (Anas chlorotis), a dabbling duck endemic to New Zealand, were observed opening Common Cockles (Austrovenus stutchburyi) on Great Barrier Island. The teal jack-hammered into the open shells of feeding cockles and quickly scooped out the flesh. Despite having the bill morphology of a typical dabbling duck, they were adept at this feeding method.
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