19 |
Arabian BabblerAlternative name: "Brown Babbler" Size: 26 cm |
 |
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
Arabian Babbler foraging on the ground
The same bird as shown above, now with its head turned the other
way
Lateral view of an Arabian Babbler...
... here seen in shady conditions, making its colours look even
more inconspicuous than above
The same bird as shown above, now trying to open a seedpod - first
peck it while holding it down with one foot...
... maybe some digging will help?
... or standing on it to break it in two?
That worked - now how to open the halves?
The same bird as shown above, now trying to open a seedpod - first
peck it while holding it down with one foot
Way to go - jump on it!
Family of Arabian Babblers, with a near-frontal view of
one bird
When alarmed, the sentry's tail is raised
 |
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?
