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Arabian BabblerAlternative name: "Brown Babbler" |
Sightings
Arabian Babblers were first spotted by us on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, in December 2009. Seen again in March 2010.
Photos
Arabian Babbler preening in a tree (click on image for larger version)
Arabian Babbler foraging on the ground (click on image for larger version)
The same bird as shown above, now with its head turned the other way (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of an Arabian Babbler... (click on image for larger version)
... here seen in shady conditions, making its colours look even more inconspicuous than above (click on image for larger version)
The same bird as shown above, now trying to open a seedpod - first peck it while holding it down with one foot... (click on image for larger version)
... maybe some digging will help? (click on image for larger version)
... or standing on it to break it in two? (click on image for larger version)
That worked - now how to open the halves? (click on image for larger version)
The same bird as shown above, now trying to open a seedpod - first peck it while holding it down with one foot (click on image for larger version)
Way to go - jump on it! (click on image for larger version)
Family of Arabian Babblers, with a near-frontal view of one bird (click on image for larger version)
When alarmed, the sentry's tail is raised (click on image for larger version)
Habits
Several of the typical patterns of behaviour of babblers were observed by us, such as the tail being raised when excited or the "follow my leader" way of moving from one point to another in low flight. There is usually at least one sentry high up in an acacia while the others in the family forage on the ground nearby.
On the other hand, occasionally single birds were observed by us, which clearly had no sentry available while foraging on the ground. In such cases good camouflage helps (see below).
Arabian Babbler foraging under an acacia tree; can you see the bird? (click on image for larger version)