Butcher bird lives up to its name

Butcher bird_0187
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

A Butcher bird in action. I was wondering where the dead birds were coming from - but it had remained a weird, somewhat gruesome mystery, at least until the penny dropped and the local Butcher bird began demonstrating exactly why it is called a 'butcher' bird.

They may have a beautiful, melodic song, but they also possess a fearsome hooked bill and a liking for fresh meat. This one had killed a young bird, dragged it out of its nest and onto the ground; whereupon it set about spending several hours cutting up the body. It took short breaks to clean its beak and to (I presume) feed its own young; but was always back for the next session, full of enthusiasm. It didn't seem to mind me watching, but it did cast a rueful eye over me at times as I snapped away.